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0) — —

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COUNT LUCANOR.

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€&e Cale* of tiie *' ©panto!) iBoccaccfo."

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leasant

COUNT LUCANOR; OR THE

^Jtorte^

Of Patronio.
WRITTEN BY THE PRINCE DON JUAN MANUEL

And first done into English by

JAMES YORK, M.D., 1868.

ILLUSTRATED BY 8. L. WOOD

WHITE AND ALLEN,
NEW YORK AND LONDON,
1889.

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PREFACE.

N introducing for the first time in Eng-
land one of the choicest productions
of early Spanish literature — a book
written a century before the invention
of printing — it may be as well to say a few words
as to the author and the times in which he lived.

Don Juan Manuel was born in Escalona, on the
5th May, 1282. His father, Don Pedro Manuel,
a brother of Alfonso the Wise, died when he was
two years old. Don Juan was educated by his
cousin, Sancho IV, and lived with him on the same
familiar terms as his father had with Alfonso. He
exhibited early those warlike tendencies which
characterized all the great Spanish nobles of thai
time; in 1294, while yet a boy, he was already in
the field against the Moors.

Under Ferdinand IV, who succeeded Sancho, and
knew how to appreciate the qualities of Don Manuel,
the latter reached, at the age of twenty-eight, to the
highest employments of the State. Unfortunately,
Ferdinand, dying in 13 12, left his successor, Alfonso
XI, only thirteen months old, which gave rise to

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Preface.

a long series of disturbances and disputes for the
regency, which, in those rude times, could only be
settled by an appeal to arms. In 1320, Don Manuel
succeeded in having himself declared joint regent,
which office he held till the king's majority was
proclaimed in 1325. During this regency much
disorder and irregularity prevailed, which, however,
are attributed to Don Manuel's colleagues. It
appears that he himself, as far as he was concerned,
administered the kingdom wisely and firmly.

The young monarch, however, on reaching his
majority, was dissatisfied with the state of things.
Alfonso XL had many of the qualities which were
most appreciated in that age — courage, vigour, ad-
dress, and activity. He was hardy, sober, simple
in his habits, and skilled in all athletic sports. But
all these gifts were neutralized and rendered una-
vailing by the evil counsels of those by whom he
was surrounded. He chose his advisers among men
whose ambition and turbulence had ravaged the
country, but whose lawless deeds he attributed only
to zeal for his cause. Accustomed from his earliest
youth to regard them as his friends, while their sole
thought was to captivate his favour and make it a
stepping-stone for their ambition, he appointed them
to the exclusion of Don Manuel, whose influence,
though insufficient to check every abuse, had hitherto
been a beneficial restraint.

But Don Juan was not a man to be trifled with
thus with impunity. He retired from the court and

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Preface.

armed his friends against the king, who, at length,
terrified by the power of Don Manuel and his adhe-
rents, who numbered among them some of the
most influential men in the kingdom, with a view
to effect a reconciliation, proposed a marriage with
Don Juan's daughter, Constantia. The betrothal
took place, and for a time all went well. But the
treacherous murder of Don Juan's uncle, at Toro,
in 1327, awakened his suspicions of the king; and
quitting hastily his victorious army which was then
engaged against the Moors, he retired to the kingdom
of Murcia. Alphonso remonstrated and asseverated,
but the one proof of his good faith — the fulfilment of
his contract of marriage with Dona Constantia — was
wanting. He now, indeed, accepted the hand of
Dona Maria, the Infanta of Portugal ; writing to
Don Juan that, since he refused him his fealty, he
was no longer bound to him, and at the same time
giving orders for the imprisonment of Constantia in
the citadel of Toro. Don Manuel, touched to the
quick in his pride and affection, took arms against
the king, and entered into all the alliances he could
make, heedless whether it was with friends or foes.
After a long and sanguinary succession of struggles,
the king's party gained a final victory in 1335. But
Alphonso, who admired the brave persistence of his
adversaries, took Don Manuel again into favour,
who gave the king, during the remainder of his life,
the advantage of his bold arm and varied experience.
Deserted Constantia was married to the heir-appa-

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Preface.

rent of Portugal ; much, however, against the wish
of Alphonso, who was touched, perhaps, with a
too tardy regret for his breach of faith, or with a
jealous aversion that another should supersede him
in the affections of her whom he had so grossly
outraged. Meanwhile, Don Manuel, after waging
victorious war for the king against the Moors, died,
at the age of sixty-five, in 1347.

Allied by descent and marriage with nearly all
the royal families of Spain and Portugal, Don Juan
Manuel may be considered as a type of those ancient
Spanish nobles, whose pride of lineage, whose fierce
courage, and chivalrous sentiment are traditional.
These characteristics, however, he shared with many
others of his time, and they would hardly have
served to make his name remembered. The dis-
tinguishing and exceptional fact that causes it to
stand out conspicuous from the rest, is his author-
ship. His victories and defeats, his royal relation-
ship and descent are nothing to us now ; while the
very thing upon which he probably prided himself
least, or looked upon as at best an idle solace from
graver toils — the collection of stories which he
penned in the rare intervals of leisure between the
labours of the camp and the council, and which he
bequeathed in manuscript to the monks of Penafiel —
still lives to be read, and to afford instruction and
entertainment to a generation that follows the arts
of peace as nobler than the arts of war.

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Preface.

vii

El Conde Lucanor first found its way into print
in 1575, when it was published at Seville, under
the auspices of Argote de Molina, whose elaborate
genealogy of the author would delight a heraldic
mind. It was again printed, at Madrid, in 1642,*
after which time, in the general neglect all over
Europe of early literature, it lay forgotten for nearly
two centuries.

An incomplete edition, with modernized spelling,
was published at Stuttgart in 1839, and reprinted at
Paris in 1840. An edition was also published at Bar-
celona in 1853. But the first critical edition present-
ing a standard text, founded on an elaborate collation
of the earlier editions and of the existing manuscripts,
appeared only seven years ago (Madrid, i860),
under the superintendence of Don Pascual de Ga-
yangos. In this edition the missing chapter, the
absence of which renders the two early ones in-
complete, was supplied from a manuscript in the
National Library at Madrid.

It is indeed time that such a book, so full of
the antique simplicity and wisdom, should be ap-
preciated. The artless naivete of these tales ought
to delight an age surfeited with the sensational
novels that pour from our circulating libraries in
an uninterrupted stream. Of analysis of character,

* The editions of 1575 and 1642 are among the rarest books
in the world.

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viii

Preface.

indeed, about which so much cry is made now-
a-days, there is little. It was an age when men
were not always probing their moral sensations
and analysing their own minds with a morbid self-
consciousness. It was a robust, healthy age, little
given to fret itself with metaphysical or fine-spun
distinctions ; an age of muscular activity, not over
prone to much speculation, and what there was of
abstract thought was so clear and transparent that
he who runs may read.

And so, though every tale in the collection illus-
trates some wise moral and closes with some pithy
maxim for the conduct of life, there is no dogmatic
teaching. Every reader could apply the tale in his
own way, and adapt the moral to the peculiar cir-
cumstances of his own condition. And, indepen-
dently of any moral, each story is a real story,
artistic and interesting — nay, true in the best sense
of the word, true to nature and the human heart.

The book is further a picture of the time. Any
one who wishes to have a living representation of
the Spanish chivalry of the fourteenth century, of
the life and manners of that picturesque epoch, of the
blunt nobleness and rude valour of which the Cid
is still cherished in Spain as a type — will find it here,
if anywhere.

What shall we say as to the literary merit of the
book? Written more than a century before the
invention of printing, long before modern writing
became a practice and an art — at a time when the few

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Preface.

scholars who wrote used Latin as the only fitting and
permanent vehicle of their thoughts — it has, doubt-
less, what we at this day may call faults of style,
with occasional needless and somewhat wearisome
repetitions ; these the translator found it difficult to
abridge without interfering with the characteristic
features of the original, as regards quaintness and
clearness of detail — two qualities which constitute
the charm of the book, and are essential to the force
and point of able literature.

Like our Chaucer, Don Juan Manuel has a high
claim to the reverence of his countrymen as one of
the first who consolidated their language, and dis-
carding ' canine-latin ' (Ciceronian having become
impossible), gave to the Castilian dialect a per-
manence and importance, at the same time improving
and enlarging its capabilities of expression.

From the Arabic phrases which we find scattered
through the book, it may safely be assumed that Don
Manuel had, during his long intercourse with the
Moors, become tolerably proficient in that language.
This inference lends probability to the idea that
some of the Eastern collections of tales were not un-
known to him, and that he may have drawn con-
siderably from such sources in some of his narratives.

Considering the general character of the literature
of those times, "Count Lucanor" is singularly free
from grossness. There is not, indeed, one instance
of intentional impurity in the whole book ; so that it
may safely be placed in the hands of children with-

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Preface.

out fear of contamination. If there be any likeness
to the Decameron, it is rather in the mediaeval
abandon and simplicity of both the narrators than
in their subjects ; for there is, as we say, no trace
in Don Manuel of the licentiousness of his more
famous Italian contemporary.

It has been the translator's aim to preserve, as
much as possible, all the characteristic features of
the original. While avoiding archaic words, which
would render the book distasteful and difficult to the
general reader, he has purposely chosen a somewhat
antique style, to correspond as far as might be with
his author's. The most laborious, and, perhaps, the
least satisfactory portion of his task has been his
endeavour to render the couplets which wind up the
tales by corresponding English couplets, without
departing too widely from the original, or adhering
to it so closely as to be stilted.

The notes appended to each chapter consist prin-
cipally of historical and literary illustrations necessary
to the complete understanding of the tales themselves
which, from their antiquity, may easily be supposed
to contain many allusions to events and to persons
now grown somewhat obscure. In some of these
the translator has been considerably indebted to the
researches of M. Adolphe de Puibusque, whose
French version of " Count Lucanor 99 was published
in 1854.*

* There exists also a German translation by Eichendorff. We
are not aware that the book has appeared in any other language.

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Preface.

The advantages of fabular or allegorical teaching
are too well understood to need any comment. Don
Manuel, however, enjoys the distinction of being
free from the cynicism and covert sarcasm which
mar the instructiveness of too many writers of this
class. He has been able to paint vice and folly in
their true colours, without degrading human nature
to point a clever epigram. For that satire only is
wise and good which has in it an undercurrent of
tenderness and pity for those foibles which the
satirist himself shares, more or less with his fellow-
men.

We trust that " Count Lucanor " may be accepted
by the English reader as a genuine, if rugged piece
of ore from that rich mine of early Spanish literature
which yet lies hidden and unwrought.

London, 1868

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CONTENTS.

Page

The Prologue I

Chap. I. — Relates to what happened to a Moorish King of

Cordova 4

Chap. II. — Treats of that which happened to Lorenzo Suarez

Gallinato, and Garciperez of Vargas, and another knight . 8
Chap. III. — Treats of that which happened to Don Rodrigo

el Franco and his knights 14

CHAPjjy^Of a Hermit who sought to know whom he

should have for his companion in Paradise, and of the

leap made by King Richard of England . . . .21
Chap. V. — Of that which happened to the Emperor Frederick

and Don Alvar Fanez, with their wives . . . .29
Chap. VI. — Of that which happened to the Count of Provence

and Saladin the Sultan of Babylon 42

Chap. VII. — Of that which happened to a King and three

Impostors 52

Chap. VIII. — What happened to a King with a man who

called himself an Alchymist 58

Chap. IX. — Of that which happened to two Cavaliers who

were in the service of the Infant Prince Henry . . 64
Chap. X. — Concerning what happened to a Seneschal of

Carcasona 69

Chap. XI. — Of that which happened to a Moor, who had a

Sister pretending to be alarmed at any ordinary occurrence 73
yO^HAP^XIL-^Of that which happened to a Dean of Santiago,
\ ^ ^with Don Illan, the Magician, who lived at Toledo . . 77
Chap. XIII.— What happened to King Ben Abit, of Seville,

with Queen Romaquia, his wife ... . . .85

Chap. XIV. — Concerning what happened to a Lombardian, in

Bologna 89

Chap. XV. — What Count Fernan Gonzales said to Nuno

Lainez 92

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xiv Contents.

/ Page
/ Chap. XVI. — Of what happened to Don Rodrigo Melendez de

^ Valdez 95

Chap. XVII. — Concerning that which happened to a great

Philosopher and a young King, his pupil . . . .99
Chap. XVIII. — Relates what happened to a Moorish King,
who had three Sons, and who desired to know which

would become the best Man 105

Chap. XIX. — Of that which happened to the Canons of the
Cathedral Church of Paris, and to the Friars of Saint

Francis, called Minors 112

Chap. XX. — Of that which happened to a Falcon and a
Heron, and, more particularly, to a cunning Falcon,
which belonged to the Infant Don Manuel . . .115
Chap. XXI. — Recounts what happened to Count Fernan

Gonzales, and the reply which he gave to his Vassals . 1 19
CHAP^JtXHr— Of that which happened to a King and his

Favourite 122

Chap. XJglll. — What happened to a good Man and his Son,

' leading a beast to market 129

Chap. XXIV. — Of what a Genovese said to his soul when

^^abouTto die . . 135

CHAP^JXVt^-What happened to the Crow with the Fox . 137

Chap. XXVi^-What happened to the Swallow, with the
other birds, when he saw the flax sown . . . .142

Chap. XXVII. — Relates what happened to a Man who carried
a very precious Treasure hung round his neck, and who
had to pass a river 144

Chap. XXVIII. — Of what happened to a woman called

Truhana 147

Chap. XXIX . — Of that which happened to a Man who was
suffering from a malady, and whose liver had to be
cleansed 150

Chap. XXX. — Of what happened to a Man who, through
poverty and lack of other food, was reduced to eat some
peas 151

Chap. XXXI.— What happened to a Cock and a Fox . .154

Chap. XXXII. — What happened to a Man catching Partridges 1 57

Chap. XXXIII.— Relates to what happened to a Man with

his Friend who had invited him to dinner . . .159

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Contents. xv

Page

Chap. XXXIV.— What happened to the Owls and the Crows 161

Chap. XXXV. — The advice which Patronio gave to Count
Lucanor, when he said he wished to enjoy himself, illus-
trated by the example of that which happened to the Ants 165

Chap. XXXVI. — Of that which happened to a good Man and

his Son, who boasted of having many Friends . . .168
Chap. XXXVII. — Relates what happened to the Lion and the

Bull 174

Chap. XXXVIII. — Relates to the advice which Patronio gave
to Count Lucanor, when he expressed a desire to obtain
a good reputation ; and the example was what happened
to a Philosopher who was suffering from a severe illness 178

Chap. XXXIX. — Of what happened to a Man who was made

Governor of a large territory 182

Chap. XL. — Of that which happened to Good and Evil, illus-
trated by what occurred to a Man with a Madman . .185

Chap. XLI. — Of the association between Truth and Falsehood 191

Chap. XLII. — Of what happened to a Fox who pretended
to be dead 195

Chap. XLI 1 1. — What happened to two blind Men travelling
together 198

Chap. XLIV. — Of what happened to a young Man on his

wedding-day 200

Chap. XLV. — Of what happened to a Merchant who went to

buy brains 207

Chap. XLVI. — What happened to a Man with a grey Sand-
piper and a Swallow 212

Chap. XLVII. — What happened to the Devil, with a Woman

who went on a pilgrimage 214

Chap. XLVIII. — The advice which Patronio gave to Count
Lucanor when informed that a Man had offered to teach
him the art of foretelling coming events, which he exem-
plified by what happened to a good Man who became
first rich and afterwards poor by the intervention of the
Devil 221

Chap. XLIX. — What happened to Don Lorenzo Xuares Galli-

nato, when he beheaded the renegade Priest . . . 227

Chap. L. — Concerning that which happened to Saladin and

a Lady, wife of a Knight in his service . . . .231

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ILLUSTRATIONS.

" He succeeded, and escaped" (Chap. XLII.) .... Frontispiece
" For have I not completed the Mosque of Cordova ? " . To face page 6

On reaching the gate, each knight struck it with his lance "

" Stuck his spurs into his horse and jumped into the sea" „ „ 25
" ' Sire, to me it matters not whose son I am, therefore I

tell you that you are riding without any clothes "' . „ 57

" And in it they found a paper " „ „ 62

" She cried out, that she well knew why they were come " . ,, „ 70
" Without evincing any feeling or pity, broke the neck and

drew away the clothes " „ „ 75

" Making as many bricks as she pleased " . . . „ ,,87
"After the philosopher had listened some time, he began

to weep bitterly " , ,,102

" He, in their presence, burnt all the writings " „ „ 113

" When he saw him he was astonished " „ „ 127

" On their way they met some men returning from the town " „ 131
" The king and an attendant, who stood on the opposite

bank, called out to him in a loud voice to throw away the

load which he carried, otherwise he would be lost " . „ 145

" It fell to the ground and was broken " „ „ 148

"As he ate he threw away the pods, when he perceived

another man behind him eating them" ....„,, 15a
"As the hungry man gained strength from the repast he

gradually lost the feeling of shame " „ „ 160

"But in this case they were afraid to venture" . . . „ ,,169

"' My son, you act badly ' " „ „ 171

" He was immediately suspected " „ ,,179

" He suddenly upset the pail of hot water over his head " . „ „ 189

" So, taking out his scissors " „ ,,196

" It was not long after they arrived at the dangerous part of

the road" „ „ 199

" * Bring me water for my hands ' " , „ 203

"Told him that when he should find himself in a rage never

tcfact on the impulse of his feelings " . . . . „ ,,208

" He met an evil-disposed woman in the guise of a pilgrim " „ „ 215
"Wandering alone among the mountains, he chanced to meet

the Devil " „ „ 222-

" Drew his sword and slew the offending priest " . . ,, 228

" She feigned, however, not to comprehend his meaning " . „ „ 235

"Met on the road a young esquire who was hunting" . 23

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THE PROLOGUE.

MONGST the many strange things that
our Lord God made, He thought good
to make one very marvellous. That is,
that of the numberless men who are in
the world, there is not one who altogether resembles
another in face. All men's features, indeed, are
made up of the same parts, but these parts are not
the same in one as in another. And since in the
features, which take up so small a place, there is to
be found so great a variety, it is less to be wondered
at that there should be a difference in the mind and
will of men, and that you should find no man in
these respects altogether like another. And I will
give you a few examples that you may the better
understand this.

Men, who seek and desire to serve God, all seek
one thing, but they do not all serve Him in the sajrte
manner ; for some serve Him in one way, others in
another. Or again, those who serve their lords, all
serve them, but all do not serve them in one and the
same manner.

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The Prologue.

Again, those who labour in the fields, or rear stock,
or manufacture, or hunt, have all different methods
of doing the same thing. From these and many
other examples, too long to relate, you will under-
stand that, although all men possess will, mind, and
feelings alike, little as they resemble each other in
features, still less do they in these other qualities :
and each acquires a greater fitness and aptitude,
where self-interest is the stimulant ; so, if you wish
to convey your knowledge to another, endeavour to
convince him that it is for his own interest. And
as many men do not understand subtle or abstract
matters, hence it is that they derive no pleasure from
books, or writings, which treat only of such subjects ;
and consequently can never appreciate or understand
them. And therefore I, Don Juan, son of the In-
fant Don Manuel, Governor of the frontiers and
kingdom of Murcia, composed this book, using
therein the choicest expressions I could find; in-
troducing also many examples which may benefit
those who hear them ; and this I did following the
example of the physicians who, in their treatment of
the liver, mix with their medicines sugar, honey, or
something to make them more agreeable.* So is it
when any other member of the body is affected,

* Compare Tasso, Ger. Lib. I. 3.

* So we, if children young diseased we find,

Anoint with sweets the vessel's foremost parts,
To make them taste the potions sharp we give ;
They drink deceived ; and so deceived they live."

Fairfax's translation.

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The Prologue.

each requires its own proper remedy ; and this rale
I will, with the blessing of God, adopt in this book,
so that all who read it may be benefited and amused
at the same time, and they shall not have the excuse
to say that, being tiresome and dry, the good advice
therein was lost ; for, like the palatable ingredients
combined with the bitter medicines essential for the
complaint, so the beauty and aptness of the language
which I have endeavoured to convey in this book
shall render the moral inseparable from the story.

And God, who is the author and giver of all good,
will I trust, in His mercy, cause all who read this
book to derive benefit therefrom both in soul and
body ; knowing this to be my desire and intention in
writing it ; and He will attribute any faults commit-
ted therein to the weakness of my understanding,
and not to perverseness of spirit. And if any good
be derived therefrom, I and my readers should thank
God for it, He being the author and source of all
light and truth. And now we will commence the
book in the manner of a dialogue between Count
Lucanor and his friendly adviser Patronio.

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COUNT LUCANOR.

CHAPTER I,

Relates to what happened to a Moorish king
of Cordova.

NE day Count Lucanor spoke to Patronio
his friend after this manner : —

" Patronio, you know that I am a
great hunter, and that I have invented
many new devices in hunting which no other man
ever thought of; and you know also that I have
made improvements in the hoods and leashes, such
as were never made before ; nevertheless the people
speak ill of me, and ridicule me; and when they
praise the Cid Ruy Diaz, or Count Ferdinand
Gonzalez, for the many things which they did, or
the holy and happy King Ferdinand for the many
conquests which he gained, they say of me, with
ironical praise, that I also have done many great
things, alluding to the hoods and leashes. Now I
feel this irony very painful to me, and injurious to
my character ; therefore, I pray you, advise me what

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King Alhaqtjima.

to ilo, so as to avoid being ridiculed for the good
things I do."

44 My lord, " said Patronio, " in order that you
may know what it behoves you to do in this case, I
will, with your permission, relate what happened to
a Moorish king of Cordova." The Count assented,
and Patronio proceeded :—

" There was in Cordova a Moorish king, named
Alhaquima, who governed his kingdom well: he
studied to act with honour to himself and justice to
others ; indeed, he did all that was required of good
kings ; not only in guarding their kingdoms, but in
augmenting their territories, with the view that they
might receive the praises of their people ; and after
death be remembered for their good deeds. Yet
this king gave himself up to a life of luxury and en-
joyment ; vice and disorder reigning in his palace.
Now it happened as they played before him on an
instrument which the Moors liked very much, and
which they called Albogon, that the king perceived
that it did not sound as well as it ought, so he took
the instrument and made a hole at the lower part of
it, but in the same direction as the other holes ; and
since that time the Albogon has given a much better
sound than before.

"Now although this cannot be considered but as
an improvement, yet it was not an act suited to the
dignity of a king — and so thought the people^— for
when they heard that the improvement was made
by the king, they exclaimed in a ridiculing manner

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Count Lucanor.

in Arabic, 'Vahedezut Alhaquima/ which sig-
nifies, ' This is the work of King Alhaquima.' This
exclamation became so common all over the country
that it at last reached the ears of the king, who
begged to know why the people always used this
saying; but his attendants were anxious to avoid
answering his question. He however insisted on
being told the truth, and the signification of the ex-
pression ; so they were compelled to tell him. When
he heard it he was very much grieved ; but instead of
punishing those who related the origin of the saying,
he resolved to do some Worthy deed, in order that
the people might be compelled to praise him de-
servedly.

" At this time the mosque of Cordova not being
yet finished, King Alhaquima did all that was neces-
sary for its completion, and in this way it became
one of the most beautiful mosques the Moors had in
Spain, — glory to God! it is now a church, called
'Saint Mary of Cordova.' — It was dedicated, by
the 4 good King Ferdinand,' to Saint Mary after he
had taken Cordova from the Moors.

" Now when the Moorish king had done so good a
work as that of finishing the mosque he said to him-
self, the people have hitherto ridiculed me for the
addition I made to the Albogon, (one of which
instruments he then held before him,) but now they
have reason for praising me, for have I not completed
the mosque of Cordova ? From this time the Moors
ceased to speak in ridicule of him; and to this

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" For have I not completed the Mosque of Cordova?"

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Noble Deeds.

day, when they wish to exalt a good act, say, ' It is
as the work of King Alhaquima.'

" And you, my lord, if you feel displeased and un-
happy because you are ridiculed for the improvements
you have made in hoods and leashes and other things
relating to the chase, study to do some noble and
worthy deed suitable to your station."

Count Lucanor found this to be good advice, and
acted accordingly, the result being that the people
spoke well of him.

Don Juan, considering this to be a good example,
caused it to be written in this book, and made these
verses, which say : —

If any good thou doest, how small soever,

Let it be nobly done, for good deeds live for ever.

NOTE.

It would appear that in this narrative the author refers to
Al Hakem II, who reigned in Cordova from 961 to 976.
He was a man of peace and a cultivator of the Arts, like his
noble father Abd' el Nahman III, who built the beautiful
city of Medina al Zarah, on the banks of the Guadalquivir, if
he did not finish, at any rate he appears to have done much
towards a mosque which occupied more than one hundred years
in its completion. ,

King Ferdinand III, mentioned in the text, was enthusiastic
in obtaining from the Moors their splendid mosques, with the
view of converting them into Christian Churches; it was thus
in 1236, that he conquered Cordova, and replacing the crescent
with the cross on the tower of the mosque, with grand proces-
sions, benedictions, and prayers, purified and dedicated it to the
Virgin Mary.

It is an interesting fact that to this day, the saying, " It is as
the work of King Alhaquima," is a " household word," in Spain,
when praise is to be bestowed for any work or achievement

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Count Lucanor.

lances. The following morning they armed, and
rode towards the city. Now when the Moors who
were on the bastions and towers saw only three
knights, they thought that they came as envoys, so
allowed them to pass the moat, and parapet, and
arrive at the city gate. On reaching the gate, each
knight struck it with his lance, and having done so,
turned his horse's head towards the camp. When
the Moors saw the knights returning without leaving
any message, they concluded that they had come
only to offer an insult, and so determined to pursue
them. On opening the gate the Moors found that
the knights had already gone some distance ; never-
theless they followed them with fifteen hundred
horse, and more than twenty thousand foot. Now
when the three knights saw the Moors approaching,
they turned their horses, and waited their arrival;
but, on their coming nearer, the knight, whose name
I have forgotten, was the first to charge them,
whilst Lorenzo Suarez and Garciperez remained
quiet ; but, on the Moors coming still nearer, Gar-
ciperez charged them also, Lorenzo Suarez still
remaining stationary until the Moors forced him to
the attack; when he threw himself among them
and performed wonderful acts of valour. When
the royal army saw their knights surrounded by
the Moors, they hastened to their assistance, as they
saw them in great danger; but, by the mercy of
God, none of these knights were mortally (although
severely) wounded. The conflict, however, between

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" On reaching the gate each knight struck it with his lance."

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Attack on the Moors.

the Moors and Christians became so general that
king Ferdinand was obliged to approach in person ;
and on that day the Christians displayed great valour.

" When the king returned to the camp, he ordered
these three knights to be brought before him, telling
them that they deserved death for having acted so
foolishly, by having without his orders brought on a
general engagement ; thereby causing the loss of many
brave soldiers. The chiefs of the army, however,
interceded with the king for them, and they were
liberated in consequence.

" Soon after, the king, hearing that the knights had
acted from a spirit of emulation, ordered them to
attend again, and assembled all the most valiant men
of his army ; so that they might decide which was
the bravest. The debate was animated, each bring-
ing forth good reason for praising his own party —
some maintaining that he who first attacked the
Moors displayed the greatest courage ; — others giving
preference to the second ; the decision, however, was
given thus : —

" If the Moors who approached had not been so
numerous, and could skill and courage have con-
quered, then the knight who first charged them
only began that which he might have completed;
but, since this was not the case, he must have
approached, not to conquer, but, through shame of
flight, and an inability to resist the influence of fear,
therefore it was that he made the attack. The
second had better hopes than the first, because he

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Count Lucanor.

resisted acting in an hopeless cause and bore longer
the emotions consequent upon his perilous position.
But, Lorenzo Suarez Gallinato, who waited until the
Moors attacked him, was judged to be the most
valiant.

44 And you, my lord, although you are kept in the
state of alarm and suspicion of which you now com-
plain, yet engage not in a struggle the end of which
you cannot forsee, continue to exercise your good
sense, and do not suffer yourself to be led away
by false reports. Your defences are good, so that,
even from a sudden attack, you cannot receive much
damage.

"I advise you now, my lord, to be of good
cheer, since you cannot be seriously injured. Wait
before you act, for perhaps you will see that the re-
ports which annoy you are not true. Those who
create these alarms seek only their own interest;
and believe me, whether they be of your own or
your enemy's people, they are indifferent whether it
be war or peace ; their object being only that they
may be favoured with an opportunity during the
commotion to gratify their wicked passions —so that,
during the conflict between you and your enemy,
they may possess themselves, not only of that belong-
ing to yourself, but of that which belongs to others,
without fear of punishment.

44 So that you are secured against any sudden attack,
it is much better to wait until the wrong comes from
the other side. Be patient— all may yet end well —

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How to act in Danger.

God will be with you, which in such a cause is no
small matter. Again, all people will know that you
act only for your own preservation ; nor can your
enemy declare himself aggrieved. Thus may you
preserve peace, which is agreeable to the will of God
and all good men."

Don Juan, finding this to be a good example,
wrote the following lines, which say : —

When danger comes, haste not to meet it,
Quietly wait, yet boldly treat it.

NOTES.

Of these three knights of the thirteenth century we have
little on record. Don Lorenzo Suarez Gallinato has, however,
been mentioned in another example, the forty-ninth chapter
of this work, by Don Manuel, where he appears, although a
Christian, to have occupied the distinguished post of Chief of
the body-guard to the King of Granada.

Of Garcio Perez Vargas the genealogy has been carefully
traced by Argote de Molina, in his Nobleza de Andalucia, fol.
96-122, where he is mentioned as one of the nobles of Count
Don Pedro. The most brilliant part of his career was at the
siege of Seville, and at the battle of Zeres, where he was
knighted by the hand of Don Alvar Perez de Castro, for hav-
ing killed the King of Ganzules. His name is perpetuated by
an inscription still existing over the gate of Zeres at Seville, of
which the following is a translation : —

11 Hercules built me,
Julius Caesar surrounded me with walls and lofty towers,

A Gothic King lost me,

The holy King won me,
Assisted by Garcio Perez de Vargas."

The brother of this hero, Diego Perez de Vargas, is men-

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*4 Count Lucanor.

tioned by Cervantes as a man of great prowess and valour
Fighting bravely one day at the siege of Seville, against the
Moors, he broke his sword, when seizing a heavy branch or
trunk of an oak tree, he, with his terrible weapon, caused such
destruction among his enemies that he was nicknamed "El
Machaco (the Pounder,)" from the Spanish word Machacar,
to pound. Since then the family have assumed the name and
have been known as Vargas y Machacar (Don Quixote, cap. 8).

CHAPTER III.

Treats of that which happened to Don Rodrigo el
Franco and his knights.

NE day as Count Lucanor was con-
j versing with Patronio his counsellor,
he said: — "Patronio, it has happened
that I have had many great wars, and
of such a kind that I have often found myself much
embarrassed. Upon one occasion I was in the
greatest distress, when those to whom I have done
much service, and who are indebted to me for all
they possess, deserted me, — nay more, even exerted
themselves to injure me. Such conduct, to tell you
truly, has given me a worse opinion of mankind
than I had before I knew these people : I therefore
request your advice how to act under these cir-
cumstances."

" My lord," said Patronio, u if those people who

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Rodrigo el Franco.

have acted so ungratefully were like Nuftez de
Fuente Almejir and Ruy Gonzalez de Zavallos and
Gutierre Rodriguez de Langueruella, and had known
what happened to them, they would not have acted
as they have done."

" How was that ? " said the Count.

" My Lord," said Patronio, " it happened thus ; —
The Count Rodrigo el Franco married a lady of
rank, daughter of Garcia de Azagra. This lady was
very virtuous ; but the Count, her husband, calum-
niated her. Having no other resource, she prayed
to God that if she were guilty He would demonstrate
it by a miracle ; and if the Count had falsely accused
her, He would show it also by a miracle. Scarcely
was the prayer ended, when, by a miracle of God,
the Count was smitten with leprosy, and she parted
from him. Soon after this separation, the King of
Navarre having sent his Ambassador to demand the
hand of the lady, she accepted him and became
Queen of Navarre. The Count being leprous, and
seeing that his disease could not be cured, made a
pilgrimage to the Holy Land that he might die
there. Now, although he had been much honoured
and had many faithful retainers, yet there accom-
panied him only the three knights of whom I have
spoken, who dwelt there so long that they expended
all they had brought from their own country, and
were reduced to such poverty that they had nothing
to give the Count to eat. Being so reduced, they
resolved that two of them should each day go to the

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Count Lucanor.

market-place for hire, while the other remained with
the Count, — and in this way they supported their
lord ; as also every night they bathed and wiped the
wounds of the leper. It happened one night, as they
were bathing his arms and legs, that they felt inclined
to spit, — and so spat. When the Count saw that all
spat, and believing that they did it from the disgust
which his malady created, he began to weep, greatly
regretting the dislike and repugnance which they
evinced towards him; when they, wishing to con-
vince the Count that they felt no disgust, took up
in their hands some of the water, impure as it was,
and drank freely of it. In this manner they con-
tinued devoted to the Count until he died. They
then determined that it would be wrong to return
to Castille without the Count,, living or dead ; so
they resolved to take his body with them. The
distance making this difficult, the natives advised
them to boil the body and take the bones, but they
replied they would never consent to this, for as they
had not allowed any one to touch their lord during
his life, neither would they now that he was dead.
They then buried him, and waited patiently until
all the flesh had perished from off his bones, which
they collected, and placing them in a chest, carried
them back to Castille on their shoulders, begging
their food as they went, and although bearing
evident marks of their wretched poverty, arrived
nevertheless in good health at Tolosa.

u On one occasion, as they entered a city on their

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Pero Nunez.

way, they met a crowd of people who were leading
a lady of rank to be burned, she having been ac-
cused by her husband's brother of adultery, and the
sentence would be fulfilled unless a knight were
found who would defend her.

" Now, when Pero Nuflez, of noble and loyal
character, heard that, for want of a defender, she
might be lost, he told her relations that if he knew
the lady to be innocent he would save her, and he
requested the lady herself to reveal to him the whole
truth. She said she certainly had not committed the
crime of which they accused her, but that she had
had the intention of doing so. Pero Nuftez, on
hearing that she had had the intention to do what
she ought not, felt assured that some misfortune
would happen to whomsoever might defend her ; but
since he had already espoused her cause, and knew
that she had not committed the crime of which they
accused her, he declared himself her champion.
Her accusers attempted to prevent his interference
under the plea of his not being noble > but Pero
Nuftez having proved his nobility, and that they
could not prevent him, the friends of the lady
furnished him with a horse and arms. Before
entering the arena he said to her friends, that, with
the assistance of God, he would save the lady and
return with honour, but that he felt assured some
harm would befall him for the evil which she had
intended doing.

"Soon after entering the arena, by the help of

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Count Lucanor.

God, Pero Nunez vanquished his adversary and
saved the lady, but in doing so lost an eye, — and so
was that fulfilled which he had anticipated.

" The lady and her relations made so many pre-
sents to Pero Nunez, that he and his two com-
panions were able to pursue their journey with more
ease, still carrying the bones of their lord.

"As they were themselves without leprosy, the
King of Castille, hearing of their approach, and that
they were carrying with them the bones of their
master, expressed himself much gratified to have
amongst his subjects such faithful vassals. He sent,
therefore, a request that they should come direct to
him on foot, dressed just as they were. On the day
they returned to the kingdom of Castille, the King
himself went on foot five leagues beyond the
frontiers of his dominions to meet them. On their
arrival they received so many gifts from the King
and the people, that they not only became rich
themselves, but their descendants also after them.

" Now the King and all those who accompanied
him came to do honour to the memory of the
Count, but more especially to the devotion shown
by the three knights. They all followed the remains
of the leper until they arrived at Osma, where they
were interred, after which the three knights separated,
and each returned to his home.

"The day Ruy Gonzalez arrived at his house,
and was seated at table with his wife, she seeing the
good meat which was placed before her, raised her

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Pero Nunez.

hands to heaven, and said, * Lord ! blessed mayest
thou be, that thou hast permitted me to see this day,
for thou knowest that since Ruy Gonzalez departed
from this country this is the first time that I have
eaten meat or drunk wine ; ' and Ruy Gonzalez was
grieved and said, € Why have you done so ? ' Do ' you
not remember/ said she, 'that when you departed
with the Count, and vowed that you would not
return without him, you expressed a wish that I
should live as a good and honest wife, wanting not
bread and water ; and since you said that, would it
have been right to disobey your wishes ? and for this
have I eaten only bread and water.'

" Pero Nunez, arriving at his house, was received
by his wife and friends with great joy, and so great
was their pleasure that they could not look at him
without laughing, so much so, that Pero Nuftez was
impressed with the feeling that they laughed because
he had lost an eye ; so, with an air of chagrin, he
covered his head with his cloak and threw himself
on the bed. His good wife, seeing him so sad, was
greatly afflicted, and so earnestly did she urge him to
tell her the cause of his grief, that he was constrained
to say he thought they laughed at him for having
lost his eye. No sooner had she heard this than,
seizing a needle, she thrust it in her own eye,
thereby destroying it, and exclaiming, — ' Henceforth
if any one laughs it cannot be in contempt of you/
And so God rewarded these trusty knights for their
fidelity and honour.

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Count Lucanor.

" And now, my lord, I say as before, — if those
of whom you complain had been like these three
knights, or had even known what happened to them,
they would not have conducted themselves as they
have done.

" But to you, Count Lucanor, permit me to say
that the evil conduct of these people must not pre-
vent you from doing good when it is in your power.
It is not necessary to separate those to whom you
have been serviceable from those you may have
injured ; but were you to do so, you would pro-
bably find that you have received more good from
the first than evil from the latter. It would be
foolish to expect gratitude from all men to whom
you have rendered service ; but it might so happen
that one of those people may so remunerate you
with his devotion, as would compensate you for all
the good you have done to others."

The Count estimated this as a wise and virtuous
precept. And it being considered by Don Juan as
a narrative worthy to be retained, he ordered it to
be written in this book, and made these lines : —

Though others injure thee, or spite,
Yet cease not thou to do aright.

NOTES.

Although each age and country may have its distinguishing'
glory, whether it be the wisdom of Athens, the arts of Greece,
or the heroism of Rome, or the chivalry of the Crusaders,
none is perhaps more attractive in its character than the last*.

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The Good Counsellor. 21

named, and it is in this that Don Manuel has depicted that
patient and devoted fidelity displayed by his three knights to
their degraded and expatriated lord, in which their feudal
honour and allegiance knew no check until their mission was
completely fulfilled. The little interlude of gallantry displayed
by Pero Nunez, so neatly introduced, showing that even an evil
intention not carried into effect brings with it always a certain
punishment, demands our approval.

The names and chivalric deeds of these three knights have
been handed down to posterity in the Nobiliare of Argote de
Molina.

CHAPTER IV.

Of a Hermit who fought to know whom he should
have for his companion in Paradise, and of the
leap made by King Richard of England.

NE day Count Lucanor having called
Patronio, said to him, "Patronio, I
have great faith in your understanding,
and believe that in any matter which
you could not comprehend or give advice about no
other man could succeed ; I beg therefore that you
will advise me as best you can on that which I am
now going to tell you.

rt You know very well that I am no longer young
and that I have been engaged all my life in one war

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Count Lucanor*

or anbther; sometimes against the Christians, at
other times the Moors, or kings to whom I owe
allegiance, and again, with my more powerful neigh-
bours. Now, whenever I chanced to be engaged
against the Christians I always carefully avoided, as
far as possible, being the aggressor ; nevertheless, it
was difficult to act without sometimes inflicting
serious damage on many who did not deserve it.
Now, for these and the other sins which I have
committed, I know I shall one day have to answer ;
and as death is certain, and at my age cannot be
very far distant, I desire, while I have yet time, to
obliterate by good works and deeds of penance my
numerous offences, so that, when I appear in the
presence of God, I may be worthy of His mercy
and a place in Paradise. I pray you, Patronio, as
you know how I have hitherto lived, to counsel me
now how to act, so as to make reparation for past
errors, and attain the happy end I so ardently
desire."

" My lord," said Patronio, " I am much pleased
at all you have just told me, particularly for the per-
mission you have given me to advise you concerning
your present state of life ; had I less confidence in
your friendship I might think you merely sought to
prove me as the king did his favourite, the history
of which I related to you the other day. But I am
most pleased to see you really desire to make re-
paration for the sins you have committed against
God, without however renouncing your duties or

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King Richard and the Hermit. 23

sacrificing your honour; for certainly, were you to
retire from the world and become a monk, you would
be guilty of one or both of the above-named faults.

" Firstly, people would say that you were de-
ficient in judgment or courage to be contented
merely to live useless amongst the good men of this
century; and secondly, it would surprise me very
much if you could endure the continued asperities
of a monkish life, which, if you were afterwards
to forsake or continue to live therein, careless of
fulfilling or forgetful of the duties of your state,
it would be a very serious injury to your soul, a
dishonour to your name, and a blot on your
reputation.

" But since you have formed the good resolution
to save your soul, permit me to recount to you what
God revealed to a very holy hermit, as also what
happened to him and King Richard of England."

" I pray you," replied the Count, " to inform
me of these particulars."

" My lord," said Patronio, " there was a hermit
who led a very good life, and who laboured much,
enduring many hardships for the glory of God,
insomuch that God in His great mercy and grace
promised him that he should be admitted to the
glory of Paradise.

"The hermit thanked God very sincerely and
on this point was well satisfied, but prayed that yet
another favour might be granted him, which was
that he might see who was to be his companion in

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Count Lucanor.

Paradise. The Lord made known to him by an
angel that he ought not to ask these questions ; but
so earnest were his prayers, that God thought well
to send one of his heavenly spirits a second time to
inform him that he should have Richard, King of
England, for his companion in Paradise.

" Although this revelation pleased the hermit, yet
it very much astonished him, for he knew King
Richard, and also that he was a great warrior, causing
the death of many innocent people, and pillaging
towns and driving the inhabitants into exile ; now
that this man was to be his companion in Paradise,
having always led a life so contrary to his, appeared
passing strange, as he had always thought King
Richard very far removed from the road to sal-
vation.

"The Lord seeing his little faith, again sent an
angel to tell him not to doubt, but to believe im-
plicitly that which had been revealed to him.

" ' Know you not/ said the angel, ' that King
Richard has done no less service to God than your-
self, and equally merits Paradise in reward for his
leap, as you do for all the good works performed
during your life.' Now this information only in-
creased the astonishment of the hermit, who wondered
what this could be.

" The angel replied thus, # The Kings of France,
of Navarre, and of England joined in the crusade
beyond seas; when they arrived at the port they
saw, as they prepared to land, so large a multitude of

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King Richard's Leap.

Moors on the coast that they feared being able to
disembark. It was then that the King of France
sent to the King of England who was already on
horseback. On hearing what the envoy had to say,
and that the King of France desired his presence on
board his ship to counsel together as to what was
best to be done, he replied, That for his part
his resolution was taken, come what might ; feeling
very sensible that he had often failed in the due
performance of his duty to God, and had committed
many sins in this world, nevertheless he had always
prayed for forgiveness and that an opportunity might
be granted him during his life to make amends ;
now he praised God, for he saw the way he had
long hoped for, since, if he was killed, being truly
penitent, he felt certain that for what he was about
to do God would pardon his manifold sins; and
if, on the contrary, the Moors were conquered, it
would be rendering a great service to God ; so
that, come what would, all was for the best.

44 4 And, having said this, he commended his body
and soul to God, and praying for His holy protection,
made the sign of the Cross, and ordering his soldiers
to follow him, stuck his spurs into his horse and
jumped into the sea facing the coast where the
Moors were assembled; this being near the port,
the sea was very deep, yet the king and his horse
did not disappear.

" ' But God, as a merciful Lord and full of power,
remembering what He had said in the Gospel, "That

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Count Lucanor.

He did not desire the death of a sinner, but rather
that he should be converted and live," helped the
King of England, and saved him from the death of
this world, so that he escaped the perils of the sea.
The English, seeing this brave act of their king,
followed him into the water and joined him in battle
against the Moors.

" 'When the Navarrais and French saw this they
felt ashamed to remain on board their ships, and,
not being accustomed to endure disgrace, jumped
also into the sea and joined in the conflict. The
Moors seeing them approach, and admiring this
brave contempt of danger, durst not wait for
them, but abandoned the port and fled towards
the country, but many were overtaken and killed.
The Christians were very prosperous and gained
much glory for God, all of which resulted from the
brave leap made by King Richard of England ! '

"When the hermit heard this he was well pleased,
and saw how that God favoured him in permitting
him to be the companion in Paradise of a man
who had done so well in the service of God and
in exalting the Catholic Faith.

" And you, Count Lucanor, if you wish to serve
God and obtain forgiveness of your sins, try, before
you leave this earth, to make amends for the wrongs
which you have done to others, be penitent for your
sins without taking thought for the things of this
world, which are but vanity. Take no heed of those
who may say your acts are but to obtain worldly.

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The Service of God.

credit, nor of those who would engage you in
unworthy enterprises to gratify your self-love, by
which much evil is committed ; for, after all, what is
ambition ? Far from following such a course, full
of peril, direct your energies so that you may merit
eternal life, and as it has pleased God to place you
in a country where you can fight against the Moors,
both by sea and land, so also let all your efforts be
directed to the service of your country, being sure
that, having made amends to God for the sins you
have committed, and being truly penitent, you will
undoubtedly receive the reward for the good which
you have done and will do, together with complete
forgiveness, so that you can rest satisfied in the
service of God even to the end of your days* This,
I think, is the best plan you can adopt for the salva-
tion of your soul and the preservation of your estates
and honour ; and should you be slain while in the
service of God, your death will be that of a martyr :
also, should you die when in the enjoyment of peace,
you will be blessed for the good works you have
done ; nor could any man speak ill of you, for all
would know that you have done everything required
of an honourable knight and a faithful servant of
God, and that you had ceased to be a slave of the
devil, abstaining from all the vanities of this world,
which ,are so deceitful.

"And now, Count Lucanor, I have given you my
advice as you have demanded, and have instructed
you how to save your soul in your present state of

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Count Lucanor.

life ; hold fast your good resolutions, and you will
resemble King Richard of England in the leap which
he made."

And the Count was well pleased with the counsels
which Patronio gave him, and prayed that an oppor-
tunity might be granted to him in like manner to
serve God as he desired in his heart.

And Don Juan saw that this example was very
good, and ordered it to be written in this book, and
composed the following lines : —

So shall a man reach, by a leap, to heaven,
Obeying trustfully the laws that God hath given.

NOTES.

The wild project of Peter the Hermit, which roused all Europe
to arms in the nth century, has been a fruitful source of
laudatory prose and verse even to the present day; nor has it,
as we see, escaped the versatile genius of our author, Don Manuel,
who, in this chapter, has not only illustrated the heroism and
self-devotion of the age, but has also depicted the Pharisaism of
the hermit, recalling to our minds also, in the record of the heroic
leap of Richard Cceur de Lion, the parable of Jesus, wherein the
householder rewards the workman of the eleventh hour, saying to
him who murmured, "Take that thine is, and go thy way; I will
give unto this last even as unto thee."

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Treatment of a Wife.

CHAPTER V.

Of that which happened to the Emperor Frederick and
Don Alvar Faftez % with their wives.

conduct entirely different. One is so enamoured of
his wife as to be unable to leave her a single minute>
he does only that which she wishes, and never
decides on anything whatever without first having
taken her advice. The other, on the contrary, allows
nothing to be done but what he wishes ; we cannot
persuade him to live with his wife, or even take any
notice of her. I am afflicted, equally, to find so
much weakness in the one and so much aversion in
the other. Tell me, then, I pray you, the means, if
there be any, to remedy such a state of things."

" My lord," replied Patronio, " you are right in
saying your brothers are equally to blame ; but what
can you do ? The influence of women is very power-
ful, and often urges us to do wrong to please them.
Nevertheless, I would desire you to hear what hap-
pened to the Emperor Frederick and to Don Alvar
Faflez with their wives, which I think you will find
not to be without application to this case."

OUNT LUCANOR, conversing one day
with his counsellor Patronio, said, "I
have two brothers who are married
and maintain in their establishments a

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Count Lucanor.

" Willingly," said the Count. And Patronio pro-
ceeded as follows : —

u As I have two histories to recount, and cannot
tell you both at once, I will first relate that of the
Emperor Frederick, and then pass on to that of Don
Alvar Fanez. The Emperor Frederick married a
lady of very high position and birth, suitable to his
rank ; but still they were not happy, for he knew
not before the marriage her real character. But
after their union (although she was a very virtuous
woman), she became the most daring, violent, and
perverse person in the world; for if the Emperor
desired to eat, she desired to fast ; if he wished to
sleep, it would be her wish to arise ; everything in
which the Emperor took pleasure was to her an
object of aversion, and all his desires she opposed
by doing exactly the contrary. The Emperor
suffered this state of things a long time, and felt
that he was unable to better his position ; for
neither prayers, persuasions, nor even threats,
availed anything: good and bad treatment were
alike unsuccessful. His whole life was made miser-
able, and he became perplexed as to what he should
do, as much for his people as for himself. At last
he resolved to appeal to the Pope, and related to
him all his troubles respecting the conduct of the
Empress, begging that he would agree to their
separation.

" ' I see/ said the Pope, ' that, according to the
Christian religion, a separation cannot be permitted ;

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The Emperor Frederick. 31

yet, on the other hand, it is impossible to live with
the Empress, in consequence of her violent temper.
What can be done? The Supreme Law does not
permit me to inflict penance unless actual sin has
been committed ; but I leave you at liberty to act as
you consider most wise and convenient/

" The Emperor, after hearing the Pope's opinion,
was very much concerned how to act ; whether by
persuasion, reasoning, or kindness, so as to remedy
the present state of things. But still he found all
his efforts of no avail ; the more he strove to obtain
peace, the more perverse the Empress became.

u Now, as the Emperor saw that nothing could be
done, he one day expressed a wish to go stag- hunt-
ing, and made a poisonous preparation of herbs to
put on the arrows, thereby rendering the wound fatal.
Putting away a part of this preparation to be in readi-
ness for another hunt, he requested the Empress not
to touch it on any account whatever, whether for the
itch or any unhealed eruption ; for, said he, ' it is
so very poisonous that it would destroy any living
thing ; but here is another ointment, very excellent
and much approved of.' The Emperor then applied
some of the latter to heal some spots which he had,
so that all present might bear witness to its utility in
curing such complaints. All this was done in the
presence of the knights and ladies there assembled,
after which he departed for the chase.

"Now, the Empress, who had heard him in
silence, laughed, and said, 'What deceit; I know

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Count Lucanor.

well that our ailments are different, and he has
recommended me to use this ointment which he
employs because it cannot cure me ; but I am not so
foolish, I will use the forbidden ointment, and on
his return he will find me well, and this, I know,
will enrage him ; so much the better — it is another
reason for my using it.'

" All who were present tried to dissuade the
Empress, both by their tears and supplications,
' Your death is certain/ said they, ' if that poison is
used.' But all without avail. For scarcely had she
applied the ointment when her agony — and with it,
her regret — commenced. But it was too late;
nothing could save her. Thus she died, a victim to
her own perverse disposition.

" But to Don Alvar Faftez it happened quite
otherwise. And, in order that you may understand
the whole, I will now recount his history to you.

"Alvar Faftez was a very good man, and was
much honoured. He colonized the village of Ysca,
where he resided, together with Count Pero Anzurez,
who had with him three daughters.

" One day Don Alvar Faftez paid an unexpected
visit to the Count, who, nevertheless, expressed
himself much gratified, and, after they had dined
together, desired to be informed the cause of his
unexpected visit. Don Alvar Faftez replied that he
came to demand one of his daughters in marriage,
and requested permission to see the three ladies, that
he might speak to each of them separately, when fc&

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Alvar Fanez.

would select the one he should desire in marriage.
Now the Count, feeling that God would bless that
proposition, agreed to it.

"So Don Alvar Faftez, taking aside the eldest
daughter, said that, if it was agreeable to her, he
desired to marry her ; but, before pursuing his suit,
begged to recount to her something concerning
himself which she ought to know. 'I am,' said
he, ' not very young, and, in consequence of many
wounds received by me in various conflicts, my
intellects have become weakened ; when I drink a
little wine, I know not what I say or do, and am
often very violent, but regret all this very sincerely
on coming to my senses ; also, I am much troubled
in my sleep, and suffer from various other causes ;
indeed, so much so that few women would consent
to marry me/ When he had said this, the daughter
of the Count replied, 'The marriage does not de-
pend on me, but on my parents.'

" On hearing this reply Don Alvar Faftez returned
to her father, who inquired of his daughter, if the
proposed alliance was agreeable to her, and found
that, since the interview, she would rather die than
marry him. The Count, not wishing to explain the
cause, simply said his daughter did not wish to
marry.

"Don Alvar Faftez then had an interview with
the second daughter, when he spoke in the same
manner as he had done to the first ; and it produced
the same result. He then repeated to the youngest

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•34

Count Lucanqr.

daughter all he had said to the two others. She
replied, however, that she thanked God very much
that Don Alvar Fafiez desired to marry her ; and as
to what he had said about the wine making him ill,
should it happen at any time when he was apart
from his attendants, she would assist him better than
any other person in the world. With respect to his
age, she would not decline on that account, but was
satisfied with the honour of being his wife. And
as to his being furious and rough with his people,
she would take care not to excite him, and if hurt
herself she knew how to suffer. Arid to all the
things which Don Alvar Fafiez said, she replied
so favourably that he was very well satisfied, and
thanked God that he had found a woman with such
an understanding, and told the Count, her father,
that he desired to marry this his youngest daughter,
whose name was Vascuftana. The Count and his
wife were much gratified at this announcement, 2uid
quickly made arrangements for the marriage.

" After the marriage, Don Alvar Fafiez returned
home with his wife, whom he found to be so good
a housekeeper and so prudent that he considered
himself very fortunate in marrying her, and therefore
resolved to do only that which was agreeable, to her,
because God had given her so many good qualities^
and an excellent understanding. She, on her part,
loved her husband very much, and felt that all he did
or said was right and for the best. She never dis^
approved of or contradicted him in that which she

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Dona Vascunaha.

knew to be agreeable to him ; nor did he think she
flattered, or acted with a view to deceive him, and
so gain his esteem. For this reason, Don Alvar
Fanez loved his wife, and regarded her as one whose
honour and care for his interests he had no reason to
doubt.

"It happened one day when Don Alvar Faftez
was at home, there came to visit him a nephew of
his who was attached to the King's household.
After he had been in the house some days, he said
to Don Alvar Fanez, 'You are a good and accom-
plished man, but there is one fault I find with
you.' His uncle desired to know what it was.
To which the nephew replied, 4 It may be but a
small fault, but it is this, you study your wife too
much, and make her too great a mistress of you and
your affairs/

" ' As to that,' Don Alvar Faftez replied, 1 1 will
give you an answer in a few days.'

" After this, Dc^i Alvar Fanez made a journey on
horseback to a distant part of the country, taking
with him his nephew, where he remained some
time, and then sent for his wife Vascunana to meet
him on the road as he returned. When they had
journeyed some time without conversing, Don Alvar
Faftez being in advance, they chanced to meet a large
drove of cows, when Don Alvar said to his nephew,
9 See what famous mares we have in this country.'

"The nephew, on hearing this, was surprised,
and thought he said it in jest, and asked him how he

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Count Lucanor.

could say so when they were but cows. At this, his
uncle feigned to be quite astonished, saying, ' You are
mistaken, or have lost your wits, for they certainly
are mares.' The nephew, seeing his uncle persist in
what he had said, and that, too, with so much
energy, became alarmed and thought his uncle had
lost his understanding. The dispute, however, con-
tinued in this manner until they met Dona Vascu-
ftana, who was now seen on the road approaching
them. No sooner did Don Alvar Faflez perceive
his wife, than he said to his nephew, ' Here is my
wife, Vascuftana, who will be able to settle our dis-
pute.'

"The nephew was glad of this opportunity, and
no sooner did she meet them than he said, 'Aunt,
my uncle and I have a dispute. He says that those
cows are mares; I say they are cows. And we
have so long contended this point, that he considers
me as mad, while I think he is but little better. So
we beg you will settle our dispute^'

"Now when Dona Vascuftana heard this, although
they appeared to her to be cows, yet, as her hus-
band had said to the contrary, and she knew that
no one was better able than he to distinguish one
from the other, and that he never erred, she, trust-
ing entirely to his judgment, declared they were,
beyond all doubt, mares, and not cows. ' It grieves
me much, nephew,' continued Vascuftana, 'to hear
you contest the point ; and God knows it is a great
pity you have not better judgment, with all the ad*»

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The Mares and the Cows.

vantages you have had in living in the King's house-
hold, where you have been so long, than not to be
able to distinguish mares from cows.' She then began
to show how, both in their colour and form, and in
many other points, they were mares and not cows ;
and that what Don Alvar had said was true. And
so strongly did she affirm this, that not only her
nephew, but those who were with them began to
think they were themselves mistaken.

"After this Don Alvar Fariez and his nephew
proceeded. They had not, however, journeyed long
before they saw a large drove of mares. ' Now
these/ said Don Alvar Faflez, ' are cows, but those
we have seen, which you call cows, were not so.'

"When the nephew heard this, he exclaimed,
1 Uncle, for God's sake ! if what you say be true,
the devil has brought me to this country ; for cer-
tainly, if these are cows, then have I lost my sensed,
for in all parts of the world these are mares, and
not cows.' But Don Alvar persisted that he was right
in saying they were cows and not mares. And thus
they argued until Vascunana came up to them, when
they related to her what had been said between them,

"Now, although she thought her nephew right,
yet, for the same reasons as before, she said so much
in support of her husband, and that, too, with such
apparent truth and inward conviction, that the
nephew and those with the mares began to think that
their sight and judgment erred and that what Don,
Alvar had said was true ; and so the debate ended.

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Count Lucanor.

" Again Don Alvar and his nephew proceeded oil
their road homewards, and had proceeded a consider-
able distailce when they arrived at a river, on the
banks of which were a number of mills. While
their horses were drinking, Don Alvar remarked
that the river ran in the direction from which it
flowed, and that the mills received their water from
the contrary point. When the nephew heard this, he
thought to a certainty he himself had lost his senses,
for as he appeared to be wrong with respect to the
mares and cows, so might he be in error here also,
and the river might really run towards and not from
its source. Nevertheless he contended the point.
When Vascuftana, on her arrival, found them again
warmly disputing, she begged to know the cause.
They then informed her ; when, although, as before,
it appeared to her that the nephew was right, yet
she could not be persuaded that her husband was
wrong, and so again supported his opinion ; and this
time with so many good arguments, that the nephew
and those present felt they must have been in
error. And it remains a proverb to this day that,
1 If the husband affirms that the river runs up to its
source, the good-wife ought to believe it, and say
that it is true.'

" Now when the nephew had heard all this, sup-
posing that Don Alvar Faftez must be right, he
began to feel very unhappy, and to suspect that he
was losing his senses.

>' Still pursuing their journey Don Alvar Faftez

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A Prudent Wife.

observed his nephew to be very sad and depressed,
so said to him, 4 Now, nephew, understand that I
have given you an answer to what you said to me
the other day, when you and others blamed me for
having so much confidence in my wife Vascuftana.
All that you have seen to-day I have done in order
that you might become acquainted with her real
character, and that consequently my trust in her is
not misplaced. I knew very well that the animals
we first found, and which I called mares, were
really cows, as you said ; and when Dofta Vascuftana
arrived and heard that I said they were mares I
knew certainly that she thought you were right, but
because she had confidence in me, and thought it
impossible for me to err, gave it as her opinion that
you were wrong respecting the animals and the
river, and that too with such apparent good reasons.
And I tell you truly that, from the day we were
married, she has not done one thing to disoblige me ;
she believes that I always judge and act for the best,
wishes all the people to understand that I am the
master, and arranges all things so that I may take
pleasure in them. So now, nephew, you have the
answer which I promised you the other day, when
you reproached me with the fault of confiding too
much in my wife.'

"The nephew, having heard these reasons, de-
clared himself much pleased ; and seeing how trusting
Dofta Vascuftana was, and in what esteem she held
her husband, he acknowledged Don Alvar was not on

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Count Lucanor.

his part too considerate and loving. Thus you see
how different were the wives of the Emperor and
Don Alvar Fanez.

"And so, Count Lucanor, if your brothers are so
different, the one doing all his wife desires and the
other doing quite the contrary, it is perhaps because
their wives are like the Empress and Doria Vascuftana.
And, if such is the case, you cannot wonder at nor
blame them for their conduct ; but if it is not so,
then indeed your brothers are wrong, one for con-
ceding too much to his wife, who does not merit it,
the other for estranging himself from his wife, who
deserves his affection. But there is a limit to even
this, no man should so indulge his wife in all her
desires as to forsake his duty or honour. His love
must be tempered with discretion, and not the one
sacrificed to the other. Again, he should carefully
avoid being too fastidious in that which is unim-
portant or of no concern to him, for it is wrong to
be too particular about trifles and foster a spirit of
irritation and annoyance ; also, the frequent necessity
of arranging these ridiculous quarrels tends only
to injure the honourable feelings and reputation of
both. Also, if any man should have such a wife as
the Emperor's, and, like him, be unable to remedy
his position, to him I can give no advice but to
place his trust in Providence. But you know it is
important to both that a man, from the day of his
marriage, should give his wife to understand that he

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How to be Master.

himself is the master, so that she may know the life
she has to pass.

"And you, Count Lucanor, after what I have
related, will be able now to advise your brothers
how to act with their wives."

The Count was much pleased with what Patronio
had told him, and found that what he had said was
true and much to the purpose.

And Don Juan, considering these as good ex-
amples and worthy to be retained, ordered them
to be written in this book; and made these lines,
which say, —

A man at his marriage should teach his wife
How he intends her to pass her life.

NOTES.

The Count Don Alvar Faflez Minaya, referred to in this
narrative, was cousin to the famous Cid, Ruy Diaz de Vivar.
His mother was Dona Ximena Nunez, who married Fernan
Laynez, brother of Diego Laynez, father of the Cid.

Pero Anzures was the founder of the Church of Valladolid
in 1095. — Nobleea de Andaluzia, p. 104.

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Count Lucanor.

CHAPTER VI.

Of that which happened to the Count oj Provenci
and Saladin the Sultan of Babylon.

NE day, as Count Lucanor and Patronio
were conversing, the Count said : —

" Patronio, one of my vassals in-
formed me the other day that he was
anxious to get one of his relations married, and
wished to consult me as to what was best to be
done, so begged me to favour him with my advice.
He informed me of all the conditions to be fulfilled
for this marriage. Now, as he is a man who I am
desirous should succeed in the world, and as I
know you have a good knowledge of such things,
I beg you will tell me how you think he should
act, so that I may be enabled to give him such
advice as shall be for his good."

" My lord," said Patronio, " in order that you
may be enabled to advise this man wisely I shall
be happy to recount, with your permission, that
which happened to the Count of Provence with
Saladin, Sultan of Babylon."

The Count requested Patronio to tell him what
that was ; so he said : —

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Saladin.

"My lord, there was a Count in Provence who
was a very good man and who desired to live so that
God might have mercy on his soul, and purchase by
his good actions the glory of Paradise. In order to
accomplish this he made a pilgrimage to the Holy
Land, taking with him a great number of his de-
pendants well-provisioned ; feeling in his heart that
whatever happened to him would be fortunate,
inasmuch as he had devoted himself to the service
of God. But the ways of God are marvellous and
inscrutable, and He sees good to place heavy
temptations in the way of His servants ; yet, if the
temptation be resisted from the love to God, it will
prove always to the honour and advantage of the
tempted ; thus it was that our Lord held it good to
tempt the Count of Provence, and permitted him
to be taken prisoner by the Sultan of Babylon.

" Saladin, hearing the high reputation which the
Count enjoyed, showed him much attention, and
treated him honourably. In all his great under-
takings he consulted his prisoner, and followed his
advice. Such was the confidence in the Count that,
although nominally a prisoner, the people so re-
spected him that in all the dominions of the Sultan
he felt almost as if he were in his own kingdom.

"When the Count left his country he had a
very young daughter who, during her father's long
absence, had grown up and was now marriageable,
upon which the Countess and her relations sent to
inform the Count that many princes and great men

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Count Lucanor.

had sought her in marriage. So, one day, when
Saladin came to converse with the Count, the latter
spoke to him in the following manner : —

" ' My lord, you have granted me many favours
and have shown me much consideration ; this I feel
a great honour, and, as you have deigned to consult
me in many things, I pray your forgiveness if I
now solicit your advice in a subject which" deeply
interests me.'

"The Sultan was gracious and said he would
advise him with great pleasure and assist him in
anything whatever it might be. The Count then in-
formed him of the proposals made for his daughter's
hand, when Saladin replied as follows : —

" 4 Count, I know your understanding to be such
that with a few words you will be able to compre-
hend the subject entirely. You tell me of all those
who claim your daughter's hand, their lineage and
power, and their relationship with you, but as I
do not know their habits and customs, and what
advantages the one possesses over the other, I
can only advise you to marry your daughter to a
worthy man.'

" The Count thanked the Sultan, and sent word
to the Countess and his relations, telling them what
the Sultan had said, and that he wished to know
all the particulars respecting the men and noblemen
who were in the country, their habits and dis-
positions; and told them also that they must put
in writing the .qualities possessed by the princes

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The Sultan's Advice.

and men of high rank who demanded his daughter.
The Countess and the Count's relations were much
astonished, but did as the Count desired, and
wrote in detail all the good and bad habits which
distinguished those who aspired to an alliance
with the Count ; and related to him everything
respecting the noblemen who inhabited the country
round about.

"The Count, on receiving this reply, showed it
to the Sultan, who found it a satisfactory report,
except that the princes and noblemen had each
some one fault or another either in their eating and
drinking, or that they were irritable or morose, had
a bad address, associated with low company, were
in debt, or had some other failing. But one, the son
of a very rich man, who, although not so powerful
as the others, according to what was written, was, in
the Sultan's opinion, the most suitable man, and so
he recommended the Count to marry his daughter
to that man ; for, although he understood the others
to be more noble, it was better to esteem a man for
his conduct than for his rank.

u The Count now sent to request the Countess
and his relatives to marry his daughter as Saladin
had suggested. Although they were much surprised
at this advice of the Count, they nevertheless sent
for that son of the rich man and told him what the
Count required, who replied that he knew well that
the Count was nobler, richer, and more honoured
than himself ; if, therefore, the proposition was made

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4 6

Count Lucanor.

in jest they did him injustice, for he thought himself
worthy to marry the Count's daughter or any other
lady. They replied they wished it seriously, and
recounted to him how the Sultan had advised the
Count, who would now give his daughter to him in
preference to any of the princes or great noblemen
who sought her, because he considered him the most
worthy man.

"Now when the rich man's son heard this he
understood that they spoke in earnest of the mar-
riage, and determined, since Saladin had chosen him
from among, so many other men, and done him so
much honour, he would not fail in this case to do all
that which, as an honourable man, was required of
him ; he therefore called the Countess and the rela-
tions of the Count and told them, as he believed they
had spoken truly, he desired to be put in entire
possession of the estates of the Count and to receive
all the rents, but he did not speak of his future
intentions. They were, however, satisfied, and placed
all things at his immediate command. As soon as he
found himself master of a large sum of money he
armed a galley, and requested that the marriage
should be solemnized on a particular day.

" When night came and the ceremony was ended
with all its splendour and honour, he called together
the Countess, his mother-in-law, and all their rela-
tions, and said, ' You know very well that the Count
has chosen me from amongst many others as the
best man, by the advice of the Sultan. Having-

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The Adventurous Bridegroom. 47

therefore, been so much honoured, I feel called upon
to act so as to prove myself worthy of my election.
I therefore intend leaving home immediately, and
recommend to your charge the young lady, my wife,
and all the estates ; for I feel confident that God
will assist me, and all the world shall know that I
have done my duty/

"Soon after this the young man departed on
horseback, full of hope, and travelled till he arrived
at the kingdom of Armenia, where he remained
until he knew the language and habits of the people
well, by which time he discovered that Saladin was
fond of hunting ; so having the very best hawks and
dogs possible, he went in his galley to meet Saladin.
Putting into a secure harbour, he commanded his men
not to leave that spot without his orders. When
he came to where Saladin was, he was well received
by him, but he did not kiss his hand, nor offer the
homage which was due to him as the Sultan, yet
Saladin ordered all his wants to be attended to. *
The young man thanked him much, declaring that
he required nothing, and that he came only, having
heard of his great renown in the chase, to beg that
he might be permitted to join in his retinue, in order
that he might enjoy the advantage of his experience
and that of his people. Having brought with him
many excellent birds and dogs, he besought the
Sultan to select from them those he wished, and
with what remained to him begged permission to
join in the hunt, where he would render every

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4 8

Count Lucanor.

service. This offer pleased the Sultan much, and
he made the selection as desired, but regretted that
his guest could not be induced to receive anything
in return.

"After some time it pleased God that things
should happen as this young man desired. The
falcons chased a crane in the direction of the port
where he had anchored his galley. The Sultan rode
a very good horse, as did also his guest,, when they
found themselves far from the retinue, none of whom
knew the direction they had taken. On Saladin
arriving where the falcons had caught the crane he
dismounted in haste and ran to assist them. His
young companion, seeing him on the ground occu-
pied in feeding the falcons, called his men. Now
when the Sultan saw the people from the galley
around him, and that the young man had drawn
his sword upon him, he was much astonished, and
exclaimed, ' It is a base treason.'

" ' God forbid ! ' said the other ; ' you know I
never did homage to you as my lord, neither have
I accepted anything from you.' He had this reason
for not doing so. Having said this, he took him
and put him on board the galley, telling him that
he was the son-in-law of the Count whom he, the
Sultan, had chosen as the man worthy to be married
to the Count's daughter; and since he had so chosen
him, he felt that he would not do credit to his judg-
ment unless he acted as he had done. The young
tnan then prayed the Sultan to deliver up to him

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The Sultan Released. 49

Jiis father-in-law, saying, 1 So shall it be known that
the advice you have given me was indeed good and
wise.'

" When Saladin heard this, he was much pleased,
and thanked God, being better satisfied that his
advice had succeeded than if it had happened
otherwise, and told the son-in-law that he would
deliver up his father-in-law with great pleasure.

"The young man, having confidence in the
Sultan's word, put him on shore, and accompanied
him, but ordering his people from the galley to
retire so that they should not be seen by those
who might arrive.

" The Sultan and the son-in-law were feeding the
falcons when the suite arrived. They found their
master in good humour, but he told none of them
-what had happened to him.

" As soon as they arrived at the city, the Sultan
went down to the house where the Count was a
prisoner, taking with him the son-in-law. When
the Sultan saw the Count, he began by saying with
much gaiety, 'Count, I thank God for His mercy
in having prospered so well the advice which I gave
as to the marriage of your daughter. Behold your
son-in-law, who has been the means of releasing you
from prison.' He then related all that the son-in-
law had done ; his loyalty and the great efforts he
had made to liberate him, as also the implicit
confidence he had in his, the Sultan's, word.

".Now, the Count, and all who heard this, praised

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Count Lucanor.

the son-in-law very much for his judgment, valour,
and great energy; while some praised the Sultan
for his great goodness, and thanked God who had
directed all things for so good an end.

" The Sultan gave the Count and his son-in-law
many rich presents. To the Count he gave double
the amount of the rents which he would have
received from his estates during the time of his
captivity; and thus sent him away very rich and
much honoured to his own country.

" Now all this good fortune befell the Count
through the good advice which the Sultan gave
him respecting the marriage of his daughter with
one deserving to be called a man.

" And you, my lord, since you have to advise one
of your vassals respecting the marriage of one of his
relatives, tell him that the principal thing is to
marry her to a good man; for, if not, no matter how
rich, honourable, or mighty he may be, she can
never be well married. And you ought to know
that a man by his good actions increases the
honour, elevates the position of his family, and aug-
ments his riches. Of this I could give you many
examples. Men of good position, whose fathers were
rich and much respected, but who themselves were
not as good as they ought to be, have lost both their
position and riches. Others, of humbler rank, by their
great goodness have gained for themselves riches and
honour, so as to become much more respected and
esteemed for their conduct than for their lineage.

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Conduct is Fate.

"And so you will now understand that all the
good and evil which befalls us arises from our own
actions, let a man's rank be what it may. There-
fore, the first thing you ought to inquire after is,
what are the habits, the understanding, and general
conduct of the man himself, or of the woman, who
is about to marry ; and these being, in the first place,
satisfactory, then, the higher the rank, the greater
the riches, and the more; honourable the position of
the connection, the better."

The Count was much pleased with the reasons
which Patronio gave him, and held as true all that
he had spoken.

Don Juan, seeing that this example was very good,
wrote it in this book, and made this verse, which
says : —

The upright man, in all he does, prevails ;
The wicked, in his plans, as surely fails*

NOTE.

Calderon has made the above story the subject of a three-act
comedy, entitled " Count Lucanor." It would seem likely,
at first sight, that in giving this name to the bold knight
who seized on the person of Saladin, his object was to recall,
by an ingenious transposition, the collection to which he was
indebted for the idea of the piece. But, as he concludes his
drama by asking pardon for a history drawn from the books
of chivalry, there seems to be some force in the opinion main-
tained by Ticknor, that Count Lucanor was a name borrowed
from one of those old books of knight-errantry, and adopted by
Don Manuel to avoid the possibility of his being supposed, in the
name of his hero, to indicate any veritable living contemporary of

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Count Lucanor.

his. Indeed had Calderon been acquainted with Don Manuel's
story, he could hardly have departed so widely as he has done
from its moral application. In his comedy, no train of thought or
moral lesson is enforced : his sole object appears to have been
to complicate with romantic incidents one of those adventures
which the heroes of chivalry prided themselves in bringing to
a happy termination.

The Sultan Saladin plays an important part in the tales and
Fabliaux of the middle ages. Don Juan Manuel has himself
introduced him more than once in this book. He was the
Alexander of the Crusades — this Salehaddin, who, after having
been in the service of the Sultans of Egypt, usurped their throne,
became a famous conqueror, and, by the resplendent lustre of his
virtues and magnanimity, palliated the cruelties indispensable to
his victories, and obtained the title of Great — a title more gloriously
consecrated by the Gerusalemme of Tasso than by all the panegyrics
of historians.

CHAPTER VII.

Of that which happened to a King and three
Impostors.

>OUNT LUCANOR, conversing at an-
other time with Patronio, his adviser,
said : —

" Patronio, a man came to me and
told me something, giving me to understand it would
be of great advantage to me if I followed his sugges-
tions ; but he said no man must be informed of the
secret, that I must trust in him, and, more than this,

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The Invisible Cloth. 55

affirmed that if I should confide it to any man in the
world I should place not only my property but my
life in danger. And as I know no man able to detect
a fraud so quickly as yourself I pray you give me
your opinion in this case."

" My lord," said Patronio, " in order that you
may know how to act under these circumstances, it
would please me to be permitted to inform you
what happened to a King and three impostors."

The Count requested to know what that was.

"My lord," said Patronio, "three impostors
came to a King, and told him they were cloth-
weavers, and could fabricate a cloth of so pecu-
liar a nature that £ legitimate son of his father could
see the cloth; but if he were illegitimate, though
believed to be legitimate, he could not see it.

" Now the King was much pleased at this,
thinking that by this means he would be able to
distinguish the men in his kingdom who were legi-
timate sons of their supposed fathers from those
who were not, and so be enabled to increase his
treasures, for among the Moors only legitimate
children inherit their father's property; and for
this end he ordered a palace to be appropriated to
the manufacture of this cloth. And these men, in
order to convince him that they had no intention
of deceiving him, agreed to be shut up in this palace
until the cloth was manufactured, which satisfied
the King.

" When they were supplied with a large quantity

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Count Lucanor.

of gold, silver, silk, and many other things, they
entered the palace, and, putting their looms in
order, gave it to be understood that they were
working all day at the cloth.

" After some days, one of them came to the King
and told him the cloth was commenced, that it was
the most curious thing in the world, describing the
design and construction ; he then prayed the King
to favour them with a visit, but begged he would
come alone. The King was much pleased, but
wishing to have the opinion of some one first, sent
the Lord Chamberlain to see it, in order to know if
they were deceiving him. When the Lord Cham-
berlain saw the workmen, and heard all they had to
say, he dared not admit he could not see the cloth,
and when he returned to the King he stated that he
had seen it ; the King sent yet another, who gave
the same report. When they whom he had sent
declared that they had seen the cloth he determined
to go himself.

" On entering the palace and seeing the men at
work, who began to describe the texture and relate
the origin of the invention as also the design and
colour, in which they all appeared to agree, although
in reality they were not working; when the King
saw how they appeared to work, and heard the
character of the cloth so minutely described, and
yet could not see it, although those he had sent had
seen it, he began to feel very uneasy, fearing he
might not be the son of the King, who was sup-

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The Alguacil's Report. §5

posed to be his father, and that if he acknowledged
he could not see the cloth he might lose his king-
dom ; under this impression he commenced praising
the fabric, describing its peculiarities after the
manner of the workmen.

" On the return to his palace he related to his
people how good and marvellous was the cloth, yet
at the same time suspected something wrong.

"At the end of two or three days the King
requested his ' Alguacil 9 (or officer of justice) to go
and see the cloth. When the Alguacil entered and
saw the workmen, who, as before, described the
figures and pattern of the cloth, knowing that the
King had been to see it, and yet could not see it
himself, he thought he certainly could not be the
legitimate son of his father, and therefore could not
see it. He, however, feared if he was to declare that
he could not see it he would lose his honourable
•position ; to avoid this mischance he commenced prais-
ing the cloth even more vehemently than the others.

"When the Alguacil returned to the King and
told him that he had seen the cloth, and that it was
the most extraordinary production in the world, the
King was much disconcerted ; for he thought that
if the Alguacil had seen the cloth, which he was
unable to see, there could no longer be a doubt that
he was not the legitimate son of the King, as was
generally supposed, he therefore did not hesitate to
praise the excellency of the cloth and the skill of the
workmen who were able to make it.

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Count Lucanor.

" On another day he sent one of his Councillors,
and it happened to him as to the King and the
others of whom I have spoken ; and in this manner
and for this reason they deceived the King and
many others, for no one dared to say he could not
see the cloth.

Things went on thus until there came a great
feast, when all requested the King to be dressed in
some of the cloth ; so the workmen, being ordered,
brought some rolled up in a very fine linen and in-
quired of the King how much of it he wished them
to cut off ; so the King gave orders how much and
how to make it up.

" Now when the clothes were made and the feast
day had arrived the weavers brought them to the
King, informing his Majesty that his dress was made
of the cloth as he had directed, the King all this
time not daring to say he could not see it.

" When the King had professed to dress himself
in this suit he mounted on horseback and rode into
the city; but fortunately for him it was summer
time. The people seeing his Majesty come in this
manner were much surprised ; but knowing that
those who could not see this cloth would be con-
sidered illegitimate sons of their fathers, kept their
surprise to themselves, fearing the dishonour conse-
quent upon such a declaration. Not so, however,
with a negro, who happened to notice the King
thus equipped ; for he, having nothing to lose, came
to him and said, /Sire, to me it matters not whose

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" Sire, to me it matters not whose son I am, therefore, I tell you that
you are riding without any clothes."

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The Fraud Discovered. 57

son I am, therefore I tell you that you are riding
without any clothes.' On this the King commenced
beating him, saying that he was not the legitimate
son of his supposed father, and therefore it was that
he could not see the cloth. But no sooner had the
negro said this, than others were convinced of its
truth, and said the same ; until, at last, the King and
all with him lost their fear of declaring the truth,
and saw through the trick of which these impostors
had made them the victims. When the weavers
were sought for they were found to have fled, taking
with them all they had received from the King by
their imposition.

"Now you, Count Lucanor, since that man of
whom you speak forbids your trusting to any one,
and demands your entire confidence, be careful you
are not deceived ; for, you ought to know very well
that he can have no reason for seeking your advan-
tage more than his own ; nor has he more reason to
serve you than have those who are indebted to you
and are already in your service."

Count Lucanor found this to be good advice, so
adopted it.

And Don Juan, also seeing that it was a good
example, wrote it in this book, and made these lines,
which say as follows : —

Who counsels thee to secrecy with friends
Seeks to entrap thee for his own base ends.

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Count Lucanor.

note.

This story, so quaintly and graphically written, stands alone
in the interest of its details, neither the Short Mantle, which
figures under the title of the " Manteau mal tailleV' in the Fabliaux
of the thirteenth century, nor the "Enchanted Bowl" of Ariosto,
nor indeed any of the romance writers of that age contain any
subject wherein the various passions and interests which move
mankind are so well delineated.

The false promises made by the impostors, arising out of want
and desperation, recall to mind the old Spanish proverb, " Cuando
el Corsario promete misas y cera, con mal anda la galera ; (The
galley is in a bad way when the Corsair promises masses and
candles)."

CHAPTER VIII.

What happened to a King with a man who called
himself an Alchymist.

NE day Count Lucanor conversed with
Patronio in the following manner : —

" Patronio, a man came and told me
he possessed a secret which would enable
me to acquire great riches and honour, but that to
begin the work certain sums of money would be
required; and this being furnished, he promised to
return me tenfold on my outlay. Now, since God
has blessed you with a good understanding, tell me
what you think most desirable to be done under
such circumstances."

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The Alchymist.

"My lord," said Patronio, "in order that you
may know how to act, having regard for your own
interest, under such circumstances, I should like to
inform you what happened to a king with a man
who called himself an alchymist."

The Count desired him to relate it.

"There was once," said he, "a man who being a
great adventurer desired by some means or other to
enrich himself and rise out of the miserable situation
in which he then was. Knowing of a certain King
who taxed his people heavily, and was very anxious
to acquire a knowledge of alchymy, he procured a
hundred doublas * 'and filed them down, mixing the
gold dust so procured with other metals, and from
this alloy he made a hundred false coins, each
weighing as much as a doubla. He then took a
supply of these spurious coins, dressed himself as a
quiet and respectable man, and went to the city
Where the King dwelt, and, entering the shop of a
grocer, sold to him the whole of his counterfeits for
about two or three doubles. The purchaser inquired
the name and use of these coins, to which he replied,
' They are essential to the practice of alchymy, and
are called tabardit!

" Now, our adventurer continued to reside in this
city for some time as a respectable and well-dressed
man, and it became circulated as a secret that he
knew the science of alchymy. When this news

* An ancient Spanish gold coin.

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Count Lucanor.

reached the King, he sent for him and asked if he
were an alchymist.

" He, however, appeared as if anxious to conceal
his knowledge, and replied that he was not, but
ultimately admitted that he was, at the same time
telling the King that no man but himself knew the
secret, and that no great outlay was required ; but
that, if his Majesty desired it, he could furnish him
with a little of the ingredients, and then show him
all he knew of the science. This pleased the King
very much, as it appeared, according to the alchymist's
representation, that he would incur no risk. Our
adventurer now sends, in the King's name, for the
things required, among them being the tabardit,
which were easily procured at a cost of not more
than three dineros,* and when they were brought
and melted down before the King there was pro-
duced the weight of a doubla of fine gold. The
King, seeing that these materials which cost so little
produced a doubla, was delighted, and told the
alchymist that he considered him to be a most
worthy man, giving him an order to make more.

"Our adventurer replied, as if he had no more
information to give, 'Sire, all that I know I have
shown to you, and henceforth you will be able to do
it as well as myself. Nevertheless, should any of
the ingredients be wanting, it will be quite impossible
to produce gold.' Saying this, he departed for his
own house.

* An ancient Spanish copper coin.

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The Sine Qua Non.

"The King now procured some of the materials
himself, and made gold ; he then doubled the quan-
tity and produced the weight of two doublas ; again
doubling this quantity, he produced four doublas of
gold ; and so, in proportion, as he increased the
weight of the ingredients, he produced an increase
of gold. When the King saw that he could make
any quantity of gold he desired, he ordered as much
of the material to be brought him as would pro-
duce a thousand doublas. So the quantity was
brought him as he desired, with the exception of
the tabardit which could not be got. The King,
seeing that the tabardit was wanting, and that with-
out it he could not make gold, sent for the alchymist
and told him he was unable to make gold as he had
been accustomed to do.

4i On this the alchymist begged to know if he had
all the ingredients the same as hitherto.

" The King replied, 4 Yes, all except the tabardit. 9

" * Then/ said the alchymist, ' although you have
all the other things, yet, failing this one, you cannot,
as I told you at first, expect to make gold.'

The King then asked if he knew where to pro-
cure the tabardit, and he was answered in the
affirmative ; the King then requested that he should
procure for him a sufficient quantity to make as much
gold as he might desire.

" The alchymist now replied that any other per-
son could obtain it as well as himself, and, perhaps,
better; but, if the King particularly wished it, he

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Count Lucanor.

would return for some to his own country, where he
could procure any amount. The King then counted
and found that, including all expenses, it would cost
a large sum to procure this one ingredient, but he
furnished our adventurer with the sum required and
sent him on this service.

"As soon as the alchymist had received the
money he went away in great haste, never to return.

"When the King found that the alchymist re-
mained away longer than he ought, he sent his
servants to his house to know if there had been any
tidings of him, but they found none whatever; but
at his house was left a small chest which was locked ;
this they opened, and in it they found a paper on
which was written, 'I know well there is no such
thing in the world as tabardit, but be assured that
your Majesty has been deceived. When I came to
you and said that I could enrich you, you ought
to have said to me, " First enrich thyself, and then
I will believe thee." '

" Some days after this, some men were laughing
and amusing themselves by writing the names and
characters of their friends and acquaintances, saying,
such and such were intelligent, such and such were
foolish, and of others in like manner, good and bad.
Amongst those classed as imprudent was found the
name of the King. When the King heard of it, he
sent for the authors of this writing, and, having
assured them that no harm should come to them,
demanded why they had placed his name amongst

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" And in it they found a paper."

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Misplaced Confidence. 63

those of imprudent men. They then answered him,
' Because you have entrusted so much treasure to a
stranger of whom you had not the least knowledge/
"The King replied that they were mistaken, for
should the man return he would bring with him
much gold.

"'Then/ said they, 'our opinion would lose
nothing ; for, should he return, we will erase your
name and insert his.'

" And you, Count Lucanor, if you do not wish to
be considered a man of weak understanding, must
not risk so much of your property for a thing that
is uncertain; otherwise, you may have to repent
sacrificing the certain for the uncertain."

This advice pleased the Count much, so he acted
upon it, and found the result good.

And Don Juan, seeing this to be a good example,
ordered it to be written in this book, with these
following lines : —

To venture much of thy wealth refuse

On the faith of a man who has nought to lose.

NOTE.

This tale, so full of point and humour, is, as we see in the paper
found in the alchymist's trunk, not without its bearing on the
caution required in daily life, to avoid impositions ; as, also, the
dangers to which cupidity exposes men who grasp at every de-
lusive project to gratify their passion for gain.

It may be, also, that Don Manuel desired in this narrative
to ridicule the follies of alchymy, to which his learned uncle,
Alfonso X, was much addicted, and the belief in which was so
universal in the middle ages.

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CHAPTER IX.

Of that which happened to two Cavaliers who were in
the service of the Infant Prince Henry.

OUNT LUCANOR, conversing one day
with his friend Patronio, addressed him
in the following manner : —

" Patronio, for a long time I have
had an enemy who has done me much injury ; nor
can I say that I have not done the same to him —
in fact, we live in a state of constant warfare with
each other. And now it happens that another man,
much more powerful than either of us, is about to
commence a war against him and me ; and this man
is in a position to do us both a serious injury. Seeing
this to be the case, my old enemy comes to me to say
that we should lose no time in defending ourselves
against this our common foe ; for that, if both unite
against him, it is certain that we shall be safe : but, if
one keeps apart from the other, it is equally certain
that whichever of us he might first select would
easily be conquered by him ; and, that one being
vanquished, he who remained would become an easy
victim. So, you see, Patronio, that I am in great
perplexity as to how I shall act. On both sides I
have much to fear ; my former enemy is not wanting in
will to injure me, and, should he at any time find me

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The Viciotjs Horses.

in his power, I am not sure of my life. Whatever
arrangement we may make, I shall feel no confidence
in him, or he in me ; and these considerations keep
me in perpetual anxiety. On the other hand, as you
you will perceive, if we are not friends, as he wishes,
we shall both be seriously injured. Now, as I have
great confidence in your abilities, I pray you to
advise me how to act under such circumstances."

" My lord," said Patronio, " your position is
very critical and not without danger. In order
that you may better understand how to act, it is
desirable that you should know what happened at
Tunis to two cavaliers who lived with the Infant
Prince Henry."

The Count desired to be informed, and Patronio
proceeded : —

" Two cavaliers who were in the service of the
Infant, at Tunis, were such excellent friends that
they resided together in the same house. Each had
his own horse ; and, in proportion as these friends
loved each other, so did their horses appear to
detest each other. Now, these cavaliers were not
rich, and consequently, were unable to maintain
separate establishments; but, owing to the vicious*
ness of their horses, they found it impossible to
reside any longer together, so very reluctantly
separated. Things had gone on in this way for
some time, when, finding nothing could be done to
remedy the evil, they spoke to the Infant concerning
it, and begged he would give their horses to a lion

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Count Lucanor.

which was kept by the King of Tunis. The Infant
complied with their request, and spoke to the King,
telling him how the cavaliers were annoyed by the
viciousness of their horses, and asking the King's
permission to have these horses turned into the
lion's court.

11 When the two vicious horses found themselves
loose in the lion's court, but before the lion had
sallied forth from his den, they commenced kicking
and biting more violently than ever. While they
were so fighting, the door of the lion's den, leading
into the court, was thrown open.

a As soon as the two horses saw the lion leave his
den for the court they began to tremble violently,
and by degrees approached each other till they were
so close together as to appear almost one. They
then conjointly attacked the lion, kicking and biting
him so furiously that he was compelled to retreat
into the den from whence he came.

" From this time the two horses continued good
friends. They ate together from the same crib, and
lived together in a very small stable.

" Thus, you see, my lord, from the great and
common terror these two vicious horses had of the
lion arose a lasting friendship. And you, Count
Lucanor, if you believe that your old enemy fears so
much his and your common enemy, and requires
your assistance so urgently as to induce him to forget
the feuds which have hitherto existed between you,
knowing that he cannot defend himself without your

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Common Danger.

6 7

assistance, then I hold that, like the two horses, it
will be advisable that you approach each other by
degrees until you have so united your forces as to
lose all fear and distrust of each other. But, mark
you ! until you acquire this necessary confidence in
your ally, you must proceed with a certain amount
of caution. If you find him acting at all times with
good faith and loyalty, and know for certain that he
has no intention to revenge himself on you, or do
any injury to you, then it will be better that you
unite with him in earnest, in order that the stranger
may not conquer or destroy you ; for it is even better
to suffer the ills you now complain of than those of
your new enemy, the extent of which you cannot fore-
see; but, should anything occur to give you reason
for doubting the sincerity of your ally, then it would
be wrong to assist him, for he might lead you into
great peril to secure his own safety. It remains,
therefore, that you be vigilant, whilst preparing to
guard against the combined danger threatened you
by a new adversary and your former enemy."

" Count Lucanor was much pleased with what
Patronio had related, and found that he had given
him very good advice. Also Don Juan thought this
a very good example, so he commanded it to be
written in this book, and wrote these lines, which
say thus: —

When danger threatens, enemies unite,
And join, as friends, to carry on the fight

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Count Lucanor.

NOTES TO CHAPTER IX.

The Infant Prince Henry mentioned in this chapter was the
son of Ferdinand HI. (called the Saint), and his queen, Beatrice.
Being • persecuted by his brother, Alfonso X, after many
dangers, sought refuge in Tunis, about the year 1259. The
Bey, knowing his rank, and admiring his courage, gave him,
after a time, the entire command of his army ; a position he
held for a period of four years, during which time* he became
renowned for many acts of valour, so that many Castilians
sought for appointments in the army under his command, and
fought with him under the flag of Tunis. Of these were the
two cavaliers spoken of in this narrative. The Moors of the
court, becoming jealous of the position held by the prince,
conspired to impress the Bey with the notion that there
existed a plot to murder him and place the Infant on the throne.
Hearing this, the king became alarmed, and, judging any means
of escape justifiable, made an appointment with the Infant for
a secret conference, which, being punctually kept by the un-
suspecting prince, he found himself face to face with 'the lions
of the Bey. The prince, seeing the peril of his position, drew
his sword and awaited the attack. Happily, however, the
animals remained immovable and allowed him to retire uninjured.
The Bey, frustrated in his design, and ashamed of his intentions,
ordered the Infant to immediately leave his territories, together
with all the Christians : which was done, resistance being
impossible. After an adventurous life, this hero returned to
Spain on the death of his nephew, Sancho the Brave, and he
there forced the people to name him tutor to Ferdinand IV,
and died in 1304. This history is interesting in so far that it
leads us to the source from whence Don Manuel has doubtless
derived the relation given in his narrative. The Infant Henry,
to whom this affair in Tunis happened, being his uncle, it may
be that the circumstance as related did actually occur to the two
cavaliers of his retinue.

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CHAPTER X.

Concerning what happened to a Seneschal* of
Carcasona*

NOTHER time, when Count Lucanor
was conversing with Patronio, he
spoke to him in the following man-
ner : —

" Patronio, as I know that death is unavoidable
I would now, while I have yet time, found some
work of charity which may hereafter be applied for
the benefit of my soul, and of which good act all
the world may be cognizant I pray you, therefore
to advise me how best to accomplish this end.

" My lord," said Patronio, " whatever you do
whatever may be your object, or whatever your in-
tentions, act always with honour and justice. But
as you desire to know how a man should act so as to
benefit his soul and increase his reputation, I should
be much pleased by being permitted to relate to you
what happened to a Seneschal of Carcasona."

The Count desired to be informed what that
was.

a My lord, a Seneschal of Carcasona being
seriously ill, and informed that he was not likely to
recover, sent for the Prior of the Dominican Friars

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Count (Lucakor.

and the Guardian of the Franciscan Order, and
informed them what he wished they should do for
the salvation of his soul, and desired that if he died
they would see fulfilled all the dispositions of his
will. They, on their part, willingly agreed, for he
left much for alms, prayers, and masses. Now, when
all his charitable dispositions had been complied
with, the friars were well satisfied, and hoped trust-
ingly for the eternal salvation of his soul.

"It happened some short time after this that there
was a woman in the town said to be possessed of
the Devil, and who spoke most extraordinary things.
The friars, hearing this, thought it advisable to go
to her and inquire if she knew anything respecting
the soul of the Seneschal, and they did so.

u As soon as they entered the house where the
possessed woman lived, and before they could put
any questions to her, she cried out, that she well
knew why they were come, and that the soul of the
Seneschal was in hell, where she had left it a short
time ago.

"When the friars heard this, they told her she
lied, for they were certain that the Seneschal had
humbly confessed and devoutly received the sacra-
ments of the holy Mother Church ; and that, since
the Christian faith was infallible, it was not possible
that what she said could be true.

"She replied, that, without doubt, the faith and
law of Christians are very true, but that he had not
acted as a sincere Christian before his death ; that,

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Buying Salvation.

however much he might have given, hoping thus to
secure the salvation of his soul, still it was not give*;
with a good grace — for he had commanded that the
charitable dispositions of his will should only be
executed in case he died, when he could no longer
retain possession of his riches nor carry them with
him to the grave. Had he recovered, he never
intended fulfilling any part of these charitable inten-
tions. Moreover, he regarded only the opinion of
those around him and of the world, hoping thus to
obtain fame and honour by his charitable donations.
Therefore, although he did a good act, it was not
well done, since man must be judged by his in-
tentions ; and the intentions of the Seneschal were
not good, although they may have appeared so;
therefore he has received his reward.

"And you, Count Lucanor, since you desire my
counsel, I give you that which appears to me most
valuable. It is, if you wish to do good, to do it
while you have life, if you hope for a reward here-
after. The first thing required of you is to repair
the wrongs you may have done, for little will it
avail you to steal the sheep and offer the feet to
God. So, likewise, you will benefit little by holding
the fruit of robbery and spoliation, although }'ou
may give alms out of your ill-gotten gains. In order
that your alms may be worthy of acceptance, it is
necessary that they partake of the following con-
ditions : — firstly, that the gift be a part of your own
rightful property, given under the influence of a true

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Count Lucanor.

and contrite spirit, not from the superfluities, but
from that which the giver is in need of himself
Again, the donation should be made during life;
and, lastly, it should be done simply for the love of
God, and not through vain-glory or worldly feeling.
The fulfilling these conditions constitutes righteous
almsgiving, for which a man may expect to be well
rewarded. Nevertheless, neither you nor any one
else should fail to do good, although they may not
be able to fulfil all the above conditions ; that would
be very weak and unwise, for certain it is that a
good action always claims its reward. Meritorious
works draw men from sin, induce to repentance, and
to the well-being of the soul, tending even to fame
and worldly advantages. All good actions tend to
good ; nevertheless, they will be more available for
salvation and more profitable to his soul if a man
act under the influence of the conditions above
mentioned."

And Count Lucanor, considering what Patronio
said was true, resolved to follow his advice, and
prayed to God for grace to enable him to do so.

And Don Juan, finding that this was a very good
example, caused it to be written in this book, and
made these lines, which say : —

In aim, as well as deed, be pure,
If you would make your glory sure.

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Straining at a Gnat.

NOTES.

The lesson taught in this tale was a severe one for the superior
clergy, who were at this period not noted for their humility or
abnegation ; as it was also a reflection upon the tenacity of some
men, not only to life, but to life's treasures, by the illustration of
an attempt to cheat Providence into the salvation of his soul, by
giving what the dying man could no longer retain. It reminds us
of the Spanish anecdote, where a dying bequest records that " if
the missing cow was found it should be for the children ; if not,
it should be for God." The same nation has also a saying refer-
ring to the Abbot of Bamba, on spurious benevolence. "El Abad
de Bamba lo que no poede comer lo da por su Alma." — "The Abbot
of Bamba gives away for the good of his soul that which he cannot
eat"

In his fable of The Sick Man and the Angel, Gay has powerfully
illustrated the moral conveyed by Don Manuel in this, history —
the futility of the hope that heaven may be purchased by a
posthumous legacy for. pious uses of the wealth that has been
hoarded during life for selfish purposes.

CHAPTER XI.

Of that which happened to a Moor who had a Sister
pretending to be alarmed at any ordinary occurrence.

NOTHER day, Count Lucanor, convers-
ing with his friend Patronio, said,
" Patronio, you know that I have an
elder brother. We are sons of the
same parents, and, because of his seniority, I look

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Count Lucanor*

on him as if he were my father ; and, as such, he
expects me to obey him. He passes for a good
Christian and has credit for being prudent, but it
has pleased God that I should be richer and more
powerful than he is ; and, although he is careful to
disguise the feeling, yet I am certain he is jealous
of me. Whenever I need his assistance, or require
anything from him, he gives me to understand that
he cannot help me, because it would be sinful, and
always breaks off the affair by excusing himself in
this manner ; while at other times, when he requires
my assistance, he tells me it is incumbent on me to
serve him, although, in doing so, I might lose every-
thing in this world ; in fact, he says I ought not to
hesitate in risking even my life in his service — and
all this to oblige him only. Under such circum-
stances, I pray you to advise me how to act, and
what is my real duty."

" My lord," said Patronio, "it appears to me that
your brother's actions, to say the least of them, are
selfish, and much resemble those of the sister of a
certain Moor, which I would relate to you."

The Count desired him to do so.

u My lord, a Moor had an over-indulged sister,
who prided herself in appearing timid ; and to such
an extent did she carry this whim that she feigned
alarm at the most ordinary occurrence, even when
she drank water out of one of the narrow-necked
earthen jars (such as were then generally used), and
heard the water gurgling as it flowed, she pretended

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1 Without evincing any feeling or pity, broke the neck and drew
away the clothes."

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Swallowing a Camel. 75

to be very much afraid of it. The Moor, being
informed of this, was much annoyed. Now the
brother was a fine young man, but very poor, and
was compelled by necessity to follow a most dis-
graceful way of obtaining a living. Poverty often
compels a man to do that of which he would
otherwise feel ashamed, and such was the case with
the Moor, who did thus : when he heard of any rich
person being buried, he would go by night to the
tomb, disinter the body, and strip it of its shroud
and all else of value ; and, by the sale of these
articles, he maintained himself and his sister, she,
all the time, knowing that her brother supported her
by the proceeds of this sacrilege.

"Now it happened about this time that a rich
man died, and was interred in very valuable clothes
and other costly things. When the sister knew of
this, she told her brother that she would assist him
that night in taking away the valuables from the rich
man's tomb.

" When night came, the young man and his sister
repaired to the tomb containing the corpse, and
opened it ; and, when they had helped themselves to
all that was worth taking, they found that the clothes
could not be removed without tearing unless they
broke the neck of the corpse. The sister, seeing that
this would deprive them of much of their value,
took the head in her hands, and, without evincing
any feeling or pity, broke the neck and drew away the
clothes. They then, with their booty, returned home.

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7 6

Count Lucanor.

" Some little time after this, when they were sitting
at table, the sister drank out of the water-jar, and
again hearing the gurgling sound feigned alarm and
declared that she should faint. Upon this the brother,
remembering that without fear she had broken the
neck of the dead man, said, in Arabic, 1 A ha ya!
hati t tassa niboa valo tassa ni fortuheni; 9 that is to
say, ' Ha, ha ! sister, you fear then the sound of the
water-jar, which says, "batu, batu," but were not
afraid to break the neck of a dead man.' And this
saying is even till this day a proverb amongst the
Moors.

"And I should say, my lord, that your elder
brother, if he excuses himself in the selfish, unjust,
manner you have described, resembles, in a great
measure, the sister of the Moor.

" Now, for the future, should your brother demand
your assistance, in return giving you only fine words
and excuses, do not retaliate, but, more than this, do
all that he requires of you, taking care that you do
not fall into sin, nor act against your conscience or
interest by so doing."

The Count considered this advice to be good, and,
acting accordingly, found it to answer well.

And Don Juan, being of opinion that this was a
good example, caused it to be written in this book,
and made these lines, which say as follows : —

He who declines to help thee in thy need,
For aid himself in vain one day may plead.

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Don Illan and the Dean,

NOTE.

This is not one of the author's happiest productions, in so far,
however, only, that the narrative does not illustrate (as it evidently
was intended to do) the moral it purports to convey. Legrand
D'Aussy has given a very free imitation of this tale under the title
of " The young Lady who could never hear a certain exclamation
without fainting," — "De la Demoiselle qui ne pouvait, sans se
pamer, entendre un certain jurement" We find another version
of it in the Collection of Berbazan.

CHAPTER XII.

Of that which happened to a Dean of Santiago,
with Don Illan, the Magician, who lived at
Toledo.

NE day Count Lucanor was conversing
with Patronio, whose advice he sought
under the following circumstances.
" Patronio," said he, " a man came
to me and begged I would assist him, knowing I
was able to do so, promising to serve me in return,
at any time, either for the promotion of my interest
Or honour. I rendered him all the assistance in my
power, when, before his trouble was removed
(although he believed it to be so), a circumstance
happened in which I knew he could render me

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Count Lucanor.

assistance, which I begged him to do ; but he made
me some excuse. Since then another case has arisen
where he could have been of service to me, but
again, as before, he has excused himself, and in every
instance when I have needed his help he has always
declined assisting me under some plea or other. Now
his difficulties are not yet removed, nor can they be
without my assistance. I, therefore, pray you, having
so much confidence in your judgment, to advise me
how to act under such circumstances."

" Count Lucanor," said Patronio, " in order that
you may know how to act in such a case, it is
desirable that you should hear what happened to
a Dean of Santiago, with Don Illan, who was a
great magician, and dwelt in Toledo."

The Count begged he would narrate it.

" My lord," said Patronio, "there was a Dean of
Santiago who had a great desire to be initiated in
the art of necromancy; and, hearing that Don
Illan of Toledo knew more of this art than any
other person in that country, came to Toledo with a
view of studying under him. On the day of hi?
arrival he proceeded to the house of Don Illan,
whom he found reading in a retired chamber, and
who received him very graciously, desiring him not
to inform him of the motive of his visit until he
had first partaken of his repast, which was found
excellent, and consisted of every delicacy that could
be desired.

" Now, when the repast was concluded, the dean

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Fair Promises.

took the magician aside and told him the motive
of his visit, urging him very earnestly to instruct
him in the art in which he was so great an adept,
and which he, the dean, desired so anxiously to be
made acquainted with.

" When Don Illan told him that he was a dean
and, consequently, a man of great influence, and
that he would attain a high position, saying, at the
same time, that men, generally speaking, when
they reach an elevated position and attain the
objects of their ambition, forget easily what others
have previously done for them, as also all past obli-
gations and those from whom they received them —
failing generally in the performance of their former
promises, the dean assured him such should not
be the case with him ; saying, no matter to what
eminence he might attain, he would not fail to do
everything in his power to help his former friends,
and the magician in particular.

" In this way they conversed until supper-time
approached; and now, the covenant between them
being completed, Don Illan said to the dean, that, in
teaching him the art he desired to learn, it would be
necessary for them to retire to some distant apart-
ment, and, taking him by the hand, led him to a
chamber. As they were quitting the dining-room,
he called his housekeeper, desiring her to procure
some partridges for their supper that night, but not
to cook them until she had his special commands.
Having said this, he sought the dean and conducted

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Count Lucanor.

him to the entrance of a beautifully carved stone
staircase, by which they descended a considerable
distance, appearing as if they had passed under the
river Tagus, and, arriving at the bottom of the steps,
they found a suite of rooms and a very elegant
chamber, where were arranged the books and instru-
ments of study ; and, having here seated themselves,
they were debating which should be the first books
to read, when two men entered by the door and
gave the dean a letter which had been sent to him
by his uncle the archbishop, informing him that he
was dangerously ill, and that if he wished to see him
alive it would be requisite for him to come imme-
diately. The dean was much moved by this news
— partly on account of the illness of his uncle, but
more through the fear of being obliged to abandon
his favourite study, just commenced — so he wrote
a respectful letter to his uncle the archbishop, which
he sent by the same messengers. At the end of four
days, other men arrived on foot bringing fresh letters
to the dean, informing him that the archbishop was
dead, and that all those interested in the welfare of
the Church were desirous that he should succeed to
his late uncle's dignity, telling him, at the same time,
it was quite unnecessary for him to inconvenience
himself by returning immediately, as his nomination
would be better secured were he not present in the
church. At the end of seven or eight days, two
squires arrived, very richly dressed and accoutred,
who, after kissing his hand, delivered to him the

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The Archbishop Elect.

letters informing him that he had been appointed
archbishop.

"When Don Illan heard this he told him he was
much pleased that this good news had arrived during
his stay in his house ; and, as God had been so gra-
cious to him, begged that the deanery now vacant
might be given to his son.

"The archbishop elect replied, that he hoped
Don Illan would allow him to name to the
vacancy his own brother, saying, at the same time,
that he would present him with some office in his
own church with which his son would be contented,
inviting, at the same time, both father and son to
accompany him to Santiago.

" To this they consented ; and all three departed
for the city, where they were received with much
honour. After they had resided there some time,
there arrived one day messengers from the Pope
bearing letters naming the former dean Bishop of
Tolosa, permitting him at the same time to name
whom he pleased to succeed him in his vacant see.

" When Don Illan heard this he reminded him of
his promise, urging him to confer the appointment
on his son. But the archbishop again desired that
he would allow him to name one of his paternal
uncles to succeed him. Don Illan replied, that, ak
though he felt he was unjustly treated, still, relying
on the future accomplishment of his promise, he
should let it be. The archbishop thanked him
again xenewed his promise of future services and,

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Count Lucanor.

inviting Don IUan and his son to accompany him">
they all set out for Tolosa, where they were well re-
ceived by the counts and great men of the country.

"They had resided there about two years when
messengers again came from the Pope with letters in
which he announced to the archbishop that he had
named him cardinal, allowing him, as before, to name
his successor.

"On this occasion Don Illan went to him, and
again urging that many vacancies had taken place,
to none of which he had named his son, so that
now he could plead no excuse, and he hoped the
cardinal would confer this last dignity on his son.
But once more the cardinal requested Don Illan
would forgive his having bestowed the vacant see on
one of his maternal uncles ; saying he was a very
good old man, and proposing they should now de-
part for Rome, where undoubtedly he would do for
them all they could desire. Don Illan complained
very much ; nevertheless, he consented to accompany
the cardinal to Rome. On their arrival they were
very well, received by the other cardinals and the
entire court, and they lived there a long time. Don
Illan daily importuned the cardinal to confer some
appointment on his son, but he always found some
excuse for not doing so.

" While they were yet at Rome, the pope died,
and all the cardinals assembled in conclave elected
our cardinal pope.

, u Then Don Illan came to him, saying, 1 You have

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The Supper of Partridges. 83

now no excuse to offer for not fulfilling the pro-
mises you have hitherto made me.'

"But the new pope told him not to importune
him so much, as there was still time to think of him
and his son.

" Don Man now began to complain in earnest.
' You have/ said he, ' made me very many pro-
mises, not one of which you have performed/ He
then recalled to his mind how earnestly he had
pledged his word at their first interview to do all hd
could to help him, and never as yet had he done
anything. 'I have no longer any faith in your
words,' said Don Illan, ' nor do I now expect any-
thing from you.'

" These expressions very much angered the pope,
who replied, tartly, 4 If I am again annoyed in this
manner I will have you thrown into prison as a
heretic and a sorcerer, for I know well that in
Toledo, where you lived, you had no other means
of support but by practising the art of necromancy.'

"When Don Illan saw how ill the pope had re-
quited him for what he had done, he prepared to
depart, the pope refusing to grant him wherewith
to support himself on the road* ' Then/ said he to
the pope, ' since I have nothing to eat, I must needs
fall back upon the partridges I ordered for to-night's
supper.' He then called out to his housekeeper, and
ordered her to cook the birds for his supper.

" No sooner had he spoken, than the dean found
himself again in Toledo, still dean of Santiago, as

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8 4

Count Lucanor.

on his arrival, but so overwhelmed with shame that
he knew not what to say.

" ' How fortunate is it/ said Don Illan to him,
' that I have thus proved the intrinsic value of your
promises in prosperity ; for, as it is, I should have
considered it a great misfortune had I allowed you
to partake of the partridges.'

"And you, Count Lucanor, will now see how
you ought to act towards the man, who, desiring
your assistance, is so ungrateful. Risk not too much
on the chance of your services being repaid at some
future time, or you may anticipate the reward Don
Illan received from the dean.'

The Count found this to be very good advice,
acted upon it, and was benefited.

And Don Juan, thinking this to be a very good
example, had it written in this book and composed
these verses, which say as follows : —

Who pays thy kindness with ungratefulness,
The more he has to give, he'll give the less.

NOTE.

Under the title of the "Dean of Badajoz," Herder, and,
after him, L'Abb6 Blanchet, have given another version,
which has furnished Andrieux with the subject of one of his
prettiest tales in verse. The editor of Blanchet's works says f
"This is not an oriental tale, but is taken from El Conde Lu-
canor, a highly esteemed Spanish work of the fourteenth cen-
tury, written by the Infant Don Manuel." The Abbe, how-
ever, has so interlarded the original story with adornments of
his own, bearing critically on the ecclesiastical condition of his
time, that it would be difficult for Don Manuel to recognize
his own tale in its French dress.

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CHAPTER XIII.

What happened to King Ben Abit, of Seville, with
Queen Romaquia his wife.

fHE Count conversed with Patronio one
day in the following manner: —

"There is a man," said he, "who
has begged me frequently to assist him,
and, whenever I have done so, he has always given
me to understand how grateful he feels. Lately, he
has again called upon me for aid, but I find if I do
not do as he requires, he becomes angry, and does
not fail to give me to understand, by his manner,
that he has forgotten all his previous obligations.
Now, as you are a man of good understanding, I
beg you advise me how I should act towards this
man."

"Count Lucanor," said Patronio, "it appears to
me that what has occurred to you with this man
resembles much that which happened to the King
Ben Abit, of Seville, with the Queen Romaquia, his
wife." '

The Count begged him to recount what that
was.

44 My lord/' said Patronio, 44 the King Abit, of
Seville, was married to Romaquia, and he loved

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Count Lucanor.

her better than anything in the world. She was a
very virtuous woman, and the Moors recount many
of her good acts. But in one thing she did not dis-
play much wisdom ; this was, that she generally had
some caprice or other which the king was always
willing to gratify.

"One day, being in Cordova during the month
of February, there happened to be (which was very
unusual) a very heavy fall of snow. When Roma-
quia saw this she began to weep. The king, seeing
her so afflicted, desired to know the cause of her
grief.

" ' I weep/ said she, ' because I am not permitted
to live in a country where we sometimes see snow.'

The king, anxious to gratify her, ordered almond
trees to be planted on all the mountains surrounding
Cordova, for, it being a very warm climate, snow is
seldom or never seen there. But now, once a year,
and that in the month of February, the almond
trees came forth in full blossom, which, from their
whiteness, made it appear as if there had been a
fall of snow on the mountains, and was a source of
great delight to the queen for a time.

" On another occasion, Romaquia being in her
apartment, which overlooked the river, saw a woman
without shoes or stockings kneading mud on the
banks of the river for the purpose of making bricks.
When Romaquia saw this she began to cry, which
the king, observing, begged to know the cause of her
grief.

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" Making as many bricks as she pleased."

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An Act of Gallantry. 8?

" She replied, 4 It is because I am not free to do as
I please ; I cannot do as yonder woman is doing.'

"Then the king, in order to gratify her, ordered
a lake at Cordova to be filled with rose-water in
place of ordinary water; and, to produce mud, he
had this filled with sugar, powdered cinnamon, and
ginger, beautiful stones, amber, musk, and as many
Other fragrant spices and perfumes as could be pro-
cured; and, in place of straws, he ordered to be
placed ready small sugar canes. Now when this
lake was full of such mud, as you may imagine, the
king informed Romaquia that now she might take off
her shoes and stockings and enjoy herself by making
as many bricks as she pleased

" Another day, taking a fancy for something not
immediately procurable, she began weeping as before.
The king again entreated to know the cause of her
grief.

" ' How can I refrain from tears/ said she, ' when
you never do anything to please me ? '

" The king, seeing that so much had been done to
please and gratify her caprices, and feeling now at
his wit's end, exclaimed, in Arabic, ' Ehu alenahac
atenf which means, ' Not even the day of the mud.
That is to say, that, although all the rest had been
forgotten, she might at least have remembered the
mud he had prepared to humour her.

"And you, Count Lucanor, if you see, after having
done so much for this man, that he is ungrateful,
and forgets all previous obligations because you are

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Count LucANok.

not disposed to do more, I would now advise you to
have nothing more to do with him, for he might act
in a manner injurious to you.

"But, above all things, I counsel you never to
forget a previous obligation, although the person
who was once your friend, and conferred it, is no
longer disposed to do all you may require."

And the Count thought this very good advice,
and, acting upon it, found the results favourable.

And Don Juan, considering it a very good
example, caused it to be written in this book, and
composed the following lines, which say : —

Waste not your kindness on one

Who heeds not the good you have done.

NOTE.

The act of ingenious gallantry recounted in the above chapter
is recorded by Conde, author of the " History of the Domination
of the Arabs in Spain," as due to Abd el Rahman III, King of
Cordova, who reigned from the year 912 to 964; and who, to
satisfy the caprice of his queen, or, as is rather supposed, of his
mistress Azahra (the flower), caused, as the litUe history of Don
Manuel tells us, the distant mountains to be covered with almond
trees; but which, one would.be rather inclined to believe were
orange, the flowers of which bear, in Arabic, the same name as
that given to the favourite — Azahra. It was for this capricious
lady also that the king caused to be built the famous palace of
Azahra, near Cordova.

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8 9

CHAPTER XIV.

Concerning what happened to a Lombardian in
Bologna.

OUNT LUCANOR held converse one
day with his counsellor, Patronio, in the
following manner : —
" Patronio," said the Count, u some
men have advised me to enrich myself as much as
possible, assuring me it will be more advantageous
than anything else, enabling me to meet all contin-
gencies. I pray you, therefore, to tell me what you
think of this advice."

" My lord," said Patronio, " it is requisite that
great men like yourself should have some riches for
many reasons, especially that they may not, through
want, leave undone that which they ought to do.
But do not understand that these riches should be
collected for the mere pleasure of accumulation,
while you leave unfulfilled the duties which you owe
to your people, or the protection of your honours
and estates. For, were you to do so, that which
happened to a Lombardian, in Bologna, might
happen to you."

" How was that ? " said the Count, requesting him
to relate the particulars.

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Count Lucanor.

" My lord," said Patronio, " there lived in Bologna
a Lombardian, who had amassed a large fortune,
but had never concerned himself as to the means
therein employed, keeping in view only the accumu-
lation of his riches. The Lombardian being seized
with a mortal illness, one of his friends, seeing
him in great danger, advised him to confess to Saint
Dominic, who happened to be then in Bologna ; to
which the sick man consented. When Saint Dominic
was sent for, he desired that a friar should attend
the dying man in his place. The sons of the
Lombardian, hearing that Saint Dominic had been
sent for, were much concerned, fearing that Saint
Dominic would influence their father to leave all
his possessions for the salvation of his soul, and
that nothing would remain for them. When the
friar arrived, they told him their father was in a
critical perspiration, and that as soon as it was over
they would inform him of it. Soon after this, how-
ever, the Lombardian lost the use of his speech and
died, nothing necessary having been done for the
salvation of his soul.

" When the day of interment arrived, Saint Do-
minic was requested to preach his funeral oration.
To this the Saint consented. In his sermon, refer-
ring to the deceased, he quoted from the Gospel as
follows: — Ubi est thesaurus tuus, ibi est cor tuum*
that is to say, 4 Where thy treasure is, there is thine
heart also ; ' and having said this he turned himself
towards the people, and said, ' My friends, in order

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The True Treasure.

to show you that the words of the Evangelist are
true, go and seek for the heart of this man, and I
tell you you will not find it in his body, but you will
find it in his money chest.'

"They then went to search for the heart in the
body of the Lombardian, but it was not there. It
was found in his strong box, as Saint Dominic had
said, full of maggots, and in a most putrid and infec-
tious condition.

u And you, Count Lucanor, if you desire to accu-
mulate riches as you have been advised, be careful of
two things — the one, that the means by which they
are obtained be honourable ; the other, that you do
not place your heart too much on the possession of
them : never do anything which you ought not to
do, or leave undone that which it is incumbent on
you to perform, but let your treasure be in good
works, in order that you may receive the grace of
God and be worthy the esteem of your people."

And the Count was much pleased with the advice
which Patronio gave him, and, acting upon it, found
it prosper.

And Don Juan, holding that it was a very good
example, ordered it to be put in this book, and made
these lines, which say as follows : —

The true treasure gain,
And the false disdain.

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Count Lucanor.

NOTE.

The tale related in this chapter is as ancient as it is famous.
All countries repeat the moral, in some way or other, it has
become a proverb. Where do we not hear the expression, 44 The
avaricious man is heartless." The French have a proverb corre-
sponding to the precept of this example : — " Le coeur de l'avare est
au fond de sa cassette," — " The heart of the miser is at the bottom
of his money box." What more particularly distinguishes Don
Manuel's tale is the moral commentary which concludes it — that all
earthly treasures are perishable.

CHAPTER XV.

What Count Fernan Gonzales said to Nufto
Lainez.

NE day, Count Lucanor spoke to Patronio,
his counsellor, as follows : —

" Patronio, you know that I am no
longer a young man, and that, during
my life, I have had many troubles. It is my wish
now to inform you that I have resolved from hence-
forth to enjoy myself — follow the chase and avoid
all worldly cares and anxieties. And, since I know
that you are always able to give me the best advice,
I pray you to counsel me as to this determination."

" Count," said Patronio, " what you have said is
very sensible, and I should like to be permitted to
inform you what the Count Fernan Gonzales once
said to Nufto Lainez."

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Name and Fame.

" Tell me, I pray you/' said the Count, " what that
was."

"My lord," said Patronio, "the Count Fernan
Gonzales, who resided at Burgos, had had much
trouble in the defence of his possessions ; but, there
happening to come a period of peace, Nuno Lainez
said to him, ' Now let me advise you henceforth not
to concern yourself so much with external troubles,
but give yourself some ease and enjoyment, and leave
your people a little leisure to amuse themselves.'

"'No one/ said the Count, 'would feel happier
to have leisure to enjoy himself and be at rest than I,
if I could; but, as you know, I have had wars with
the Moors, with the people of Leon, and with the
inhabitants of Navarre. However much we may
desire to enjoy ourselves, our enemies would lose no
time in taking advantage of us ; so if we wished to
go hunting with our good falcons — riding on com-
fortable fat mules up and down the fair plains of
Arlanza — leaving the country undefended, however
agreeable it might be, it would not be wise. It
would be said of us as says the ancient proverb —

4 The man is dead and gone ;
No more his name is known/

But, if we avoid self-indulgence and work hard to
keep ourselves in a proper state of defence, guarding
well our honour, they will say of us when we die —

* The man is dead and gone ;
But his name and fame live on.*

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Count Lucanor.

Now, since all, good and bad, must die, it does not
appear to me right, for the mere sake of self-
indulgence, to act in such a manner as to sacrifice to
pleasure that fame which should be the reward of
our good actions, and remain to us long after we are
no more/

"And you, Count Lucanor, since you know that
you must die, I would advise you never for the sake
of self-indulgence, or for love of pleasure, to neglect
those duties, the fulfilment of which, when you die,
shall make your name to survive you."

Now the Count was much pleased with what
Patronio said, acted upon it, and found it just.

And, as Don Juan considered this a good example,
he caused it to be inserted in this book, and com-
posed the following lines : —

If for vice and wanton pleasure our good fame we spend,
Life is given in meagre measure, and we miss the end.

NOTES.

Fernan Gonzales was one of the independent lords or counts
of Castile, who, by their power, so long retarded the unity of
Spain. His life was similar to that of all the great vassals of
the crown — one of perpetual warfare. He began his reign of
power 933 and died in 968, according to Mariana; or 970,
according to Ferreras. The noble answer given by him, as
related in this tale, is not a poetic invention, but an historical
fact, and may be found in the general chronicle arranged by
order of Alfonso the Wise. This observation is particularly
interesting as relating to Fernan Gonzales, as poets and
chroniclers have sung his praises, with those of the Cid, Bernardo
al Carpio, and San Fernando. As we stated in another place.

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Rodrigo Melendez. 95

the count was the hero of a laudatory poem, mentioned by
Argote de Molina. A work, also written by an Anti-Castilian,
entitled, "Defence of Fernan Gonzales, as Sovereign Count of
Castile," and which appeared eight centuries after the demise
of the count, shows how his memory was revered by the
people.

CHAPTER XVI.

Of what happened to Don Rodrigo Melendez
de Valdez.

OUNT LUCANOR conversed one day
with Patronio his counsellor in the
following manner: —

"Patronio," said he, "you know
that one of my neighbours and I have had conten-
tions, that he is a man of great influence and much
honoured. It now happens that we are both dis-
posed to possess ourselves of a certain town, and it is
positive that whoever arrives there first will possess
himself of it, and thus it will be entirely lost to the
other. You know, also, that all my servants and
dependants are ready to march, and I have every
reason to believe that, with God's help, if I proceed
at once, I shall succeed with great honour and advan-
tage. But there is this impediment; not being in
good health, I shall not be able to avail myself of
this opportunity. Now I regret much the loss of

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Count Lucanor.

this town ; but I acknowledge to you that to lose it
in this manner provokes me still more, as I lose also
the honour which the possession of it would give.
Having great confidence in your understanding, I
pray you tell me what is best to be done."

" My lord," said Patronio, " I can understand
your anxiety in this matter ; and, in order that you
may know how to act always for the best in cases
like this, I should be much pleased to relate to
you what happened to Don Rodrigo Melendez de
Valdez."

The Count desired him to relate what that was.

"Count Lucanor," said Patronio, "Don Rodrigo
Melendez de Valdez was a knight much honoured in
the kingdom of Leon, and was accustomed, when-
ever any misfortune happened to him, to exclaim,
' God be praised ! for, since he has so willed it, it is
for the best/ This Don Rodrigo was counsellor
to, and a great favourite with, the King of Leon.
He had many enemies, who, through jealousy,
reported so many falsehoods, and induced the king
to think so ill of him as to order him to be put
to death.

" Now, Don Rodrigo, being at his own residence,
he received the king's command to attend him.
Meanwhile those who were employed to assassinate
him waited quietly about half a league from his
house. Don Rodrigo intended going on horseback
to the king, but, coming . down stairs, he fell and
broke his Jeg. When his attendants who were to

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Fiat Voluntas Tua.

have accompanied him saw this accident, they were
much grieved, but commenced saying, half jocosely,
to Don Rodrigo, 'You know you always say, "that
which God permits is ever for the best : " now, do
you think this is for the best ? 9

"He replied, that they might be certain, how-
ever much this accident was to be deplored, yet he
would say to them, since it was by the will of God,
it was surely for the best, and all they might say
could never change his opinions.

" Now those who were waiting to kill Don
Rodrigo by the king's command, when they found
he did not come, and knew what had happened to
him, returned to the palace to explain why they
could not fulfil his orders.

"Don Rodrigo was a long time confined to his
house, and unable to mount his horse. During this
delay the king ascertained how Don Rodrigo had
been calumniated, and, having ordered the slanderers
to be seized, went himself to the house of Don
Rodrigo Melendez de Valdez, and related to him the
slanders that had been propagated against him, and
for the fault that he the king, had committed, in
ordering him to be put to death, entreated pardon ;
and, in consideration thereof, bestowed on him new
honours and riches. And justice was satisfied by
the speedy punishment of those who had reported
such falsehoods. In this way God delivered Don
Rodrigo, who was not guilty. Hence was his cus-
tomary affirmation proved true, — that, 'Whatever

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Count Lucanor.

God permitted to happen was always for the
best.'

"And you, Count Lucanor, should not complain
of this hindrance to the fulfilment of your wishes.
Be certain, in your heart, that ' whatever God wills
is for the best ; 9 and, if you will but trust in Him*
He will cause all things to work for your good.

" But you ought to understand that these things
which happen are of two kinds. The one is when
a misfortune happens to a man which admits of no
relief : the other is when a misfortune is remediable.
Now, when an evil can be cured, it is a man's duty
to exert all his energies to obtain the necessary
relief, and not remain inactive, saying, 4 it is chance/
or ' it is the will of God/ for this would be to tempt
Providence. But, since man is endowed with under-
standing and reason, it is his duty to endeavour to
overcome the misfortunes which may befall him,
when they will admit of alleviation. But, in those
cases where there is no remedy, then man must
patiently submit, since it is really the will of God,
which is always for the best.

" And as this which has happened to you is clearly
one of those afflictions sent by God, and admits
of no remedy ; and as what God permits is for the
best, rest therefore assured that God will so direct
circumstances that the result will be as you desire."

And the Count held that Patronio had spoken
.wisely, and that it was good advice; and, acting
accordingly, he found good results.

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The Young King.

And Don Juan, considering this a good example,
caused it to be written in this book, and composed
the lines, which say thus : —

Murmur not at God's dealings ; it may be

He seeks thy good, in ways thou canst not see.

NOTES.

Don Manuel, in this tale, while calling upon us to exercise
implicit faith and resignation to the will of Providence, as a
Christian duty, proves that his mind was not prejudiced by the
then prevailing Arab doctrine of fatalism and inert blind submis-
sion to what was supposed to be dispensations of Providence, but
urges equally the duty of using our intellectual powers that we
may be enabled to discriminate between what really is the will of
God, and what arises from our own indiscretion, and what does or
does not admit of remedy.

CHAPTER XVII.

Concerning that which happened to a great Philosopher
and a young King, his Pupil.

OUNT LUCANOR conversed with Pa-
tronio, his counsellor, at another time,
in the following manner : —

"Patronio," said he, "it happens
that I had a relative whom I loved very much, and
who was also much attached to me. He left, at
his death, a son, still very young, and it devolves
upon me to educate this boy, both from the great
obligations I am under, as also for the love I had for

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100

Count Lucanor.

his father ; neither can I forget the great assistance I
received from this good friend when I needed it, and
which I feel I shall hereafter receive from the son
also : and God knows I love him as my own child.
Now, as the boy has intelligence, I hope, through
God, that he may become a good man ; but youths
are often led away by bad examples, and fail in
doing all that they ought to do. Now, knowing the
correctness of your understanding, it would please
me much to have your opinion ; and I pray you to
advise me how I should direct this youth, so that his
body, soul, and estate may profit by it."

" Count Lucanor," said Patronio, " in order that
you may act as concerns this boy in the manner
which appears to me most desirable, I would wish
you to hear what happened to a great philosopher,
who had a young king for his pupil."

The Count begged he would relate to him what
that was.

" My lord," said Patronio, " a king had a son,
whom he placed in the charge of ^a great philo-
sopher to be educated, a man in whom he had great
confidence.

"When the king died, his son, the young king,
still remained under the care of the philosopher
until he was more than fifteen years of age. But
soon after this he began to disregard the wise coun-
sels of his preceptor, and to associate with reprobate
companions, who, having no interest in his real wel-
fare, flattered and encouraged him in all his wishes.

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The Philosopher's Device. ior

This conduct caused his manners and habits to
become so entirely degenerated that the people began
to observe it, and to speak of him, saying, how he
was gradually losing the charm and openness of
youth.

"The philosopher whose duty it had been to
educate the king, seeing this state of things, was
much grieved, and thought seriously of it, but felt
quite at a loss how to act. He had tried many times
to restrain him by prayers and by gentle means, and
often by severe ones, but all without effect. The
philosopher seeing this, and finding that in no way
could he induce him to listen to good counsel,
thought by means of the following device that he
might influence him. He commenced by gradually
circulating about the court that he possessed the art
of divining, and to a greater extent than any other
man in the world.

" After a time this reached the ears of the king,
who asked the philosopher if it were really true that
he possessed the art of augury, as they had informed
him ?

" This at first he denied ; but, after some further
solicitation on the part of the king, he admitted it
was so, but expressed great anxiety that it should
not be known to the world.

" Youth is usually impatient to know and do all
things ; and the king, being young, urgently pressed
the philosopher to give him an example of his
powers. The more he excused himself, the more

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102

Count Lucanor.

the young king entreated. At length the philosopher
proposed that they should one morning leaye the
palace together very early, so as not to be observed,
when he would give him an exemplification of his
powers.

"Early the following morning they started, the
philosopher directing his steps towards a valley in
which were a number of deserted villages, where they
heard a crow cawing on a tree. The king pointed
this out to the philosopher, who made signs for him
to be silent. Another crow, which they saw on a
neighbouring bough, commenced likewise to caw
from time to time, giving it the appearance of a
conversation.

"After the philosopher had listened some time,
he began to weep bitterly, rent his clothes, and ex-
hibited all the outward signs of violent grief.

"When the youthful king saw this, he was in
great alarm and begged he would tell him what had
occurred to disturb him in that manner.

" The philosopher requested he would not insist
on knowing the cause ; but, after much entreaty,
told him, saying, it were better for him that he were
dead than living, feeling so disgraced through his
pupil's conduct; for not only the people, but even
the birds, knew that, from his unjust taxation and
total neglect of his duties, he would lose his king-
dom, together with all his possessions, and be
despised by mankind.

"The young king inquired how he could learn

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The Crow's Expectations. 103

this from the birds; and was told, in reply, that
these crows intended marrying the son of the one
with the daughter of the other. The crow who
commenced speaking first, said to the other, 4 It is
a long time since this marriage was arranged; it
would be better now that it should take place.'

" ' It is true/ said the other crow, ' it was to have
been so ; but now I have become much richer than
you ; and, thanks be to God/ said she, ' since the
present king began his reign, all the villages in this
my valley have become deserted, and I find in the
abandoned houses abundance of snakes, lizards,
toads, and other things which usually exist in such
places ; therefore, as I have much more to eat than
formerly, the marriage would not now be equal/

" When the other crow heard this she commenced
laughing, and replied, ' What you have said has
very little sense in it, if it be all the reason you
can give for breaking off the marriage; for, if it
pleases God to prolong the life of the young king,
my daughter will be very much richer than your
son, as there will be many more deserted houses
in the valley where we live, we having ten villages
where you have only one ; you need not, therefore,
on this account, delay the marriage.'

" Hearing this explanation, the two crows con-
sented at once to the union of their children.

" Now, the young king, hearing all this, was
much grieved, and began to reflect how deficient
and careless he had been in the proper fulfilment of

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I04 Count Lucanor.

his duties, by his neglect converting his kingdom
into a desert. When his preceptor saw how
thoughtful and unhappy he had become, and that
he appeared now disposed to listen to advice, he
gave him some good instructions ; and in this way
was his conduct entirely changed, and he devoted
himself ever afterwards to improve, not only his
own affairs, but those of his kingdom.

" And you, Count Lucanor, since you desire to
educate and establish good principles in this youth,
let it be done by good examples ; by instructive
conversations and in agreeable manner lead him to
understand and like his duties. But on no account
worry him by misjudged chastisements, or think to
guide him by ill-treatment, for the disposition of the
young is such that they soon acquire a dislike to
those who correct them, particularly young men of
high, independent spirit, as they will never admit
they are in the wrong, although it may be their best
friend who corrects them, and with the kindest
intentions, yet they never see things in this light.
Avoid carefully this method, so injurious to both
parties, and so destructive to the happy accomplish-
ment of your wishes."

The Count was .much pleased with the advice
Patronio gave him, and acted upon it.

And as Don Juan approved of this example, he
ordered it to be written in this book, and composed
the following verses : —

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Early Dispositions.

105

Do not chastise the erring youth,
But lead him gently to the truth,

NOTES.

This fable is evidently of Eastern origin, and is found in
almost all their collections. Although its style seems peculiar
to the old Indian, we find in the different relations the
birds sometimes represented to be crows; in others, owls;
again, as other birds of prey. The first idea has had many
imitators, but none have developed it with the good style and
clearness of the author of Lucanor. Le Sage relates a very
amusing tale, similar to the above, of a conversation between
two magpies, without, however, determining its origin. He
merely says, "It reminds me of an Indian tale that I read in
Pilpay or some other fabulist"

CHAPTER XVIII.

Relates what happened to a Moorish King, who had
three Sons, and who desired to know which would
become the best Man,

OUNT LUCANOR, being one day
in conversation with Patronio, said as
follows : —

"Patronio, there are many young
men who are being brought up at my court. Some
are of high birth, some are not. Now I find their
manners and dispositions so various that I am
perplexed; and, knowing the strength of your

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io6

Count Lucanor.

judgment, I pray you to tell me how I may be
able to form an opinion as to which of them will
become the best man."

" My lord," said Patronio, " the question which
you place before me is very difficult to answer, for
we cannot speak with certainty of that which is to
come; and, as what you demand is hidden in the
future, so must some uncertainty rest upon my
opinion*

"But we may be able to form some idea by par-
ticularly observing their development internally as
well as externally. As regards this latter, there
is the form of the features, the grace of movement,
the complexion, as also the growth of the body
and development of its members; by the principal
members, I mean those essential to good health, the
heart, the brain, and the liver. Yet though all
these signs may appear satisfactory, we can speak
with no certainty as to the ultimate results, for
seldom do they all accord long, one derangement
influencing all the functions, or the contrary. But
for the most part, according to the indications above
named, may we judge of the future. Notice the
form of the features, and particularly the eyes, with
the grace of movement : these signs seldom deceive.
Do not, however, suppose that gracefulness is de-
pendent upon beauty or ugliness, for there are many
men who are handsome and well-formed, but with-
out grace ; while again, others, decidedly ill-made^
have that gracefulness which entitles them to be

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The King and his Sons.

107

called fine men. Nevertheless, the development of
the body and limbs should be taken as indications of
valour and activity, although it may not be always
so. It is, therefore, as I said before, very difficult to
speak with certainty, for what appears favourable
now may, by the force of circumstances, be entirely
changed. Again, the condition of the mind is still
more difficult to understand, when you seek through
it for indications of what the young man is to be-
come. You require that I should give you some
certain signs whereby you can form an opinion of
which of your young men will become the most
manly. It will much please me to be permitted to
recount to you how, upon a similar occasion, a
Moorish king proved his three sons, to ascertain
which of them would become the bravest man."

"Relate to me," said the Count, ".what that
was."

" My lord," said Patronio, " there was a Moorish
king who had three sons. Now he, having the
power to appoint which of them he pleased to reign
after him, when he had arrived at a good old age,
the leading men of his kingdom waited upon him,
praying to be informed which of his sons he would
please to name as his successor. The king replied,
that in one month he would give them an answer.

"After eight or ten days the king said to his
eldest son, ' I shall ride out to-morrow, and I wish
you to accompany me.'

"The son waited upon the king as desired, but

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Count Lucanor.

not so early as the time appointed. When he ar-
rived, the king said he wished to dress, and requested
him to bring him his garments. His son went to
the Lord of the Bedchamber, and requested him to
take the king his garments. The attendant inquired
what suit it was he wished for ; and the son returned
to ask his father, who replied, his state robe. The
young man went and told the attendant to bring the
state robe.

" Now, for every article of the king's attire it was
necessary to go backwards and forwards, carrying
answers and questions, till at length the attendant
came to dress and boot the king. The same repeti-
tion goes on when the king called for his horse, spurs,
bridle, saddle, sword, and so forth. Now, all being
prepared, with some trouble and difficulty, the king
changed his mind, and said he would not ride out ;
but desired the prince his son to go through the
city, carefully observing everything worth notice,
and that, on his return, he should come and give his
father his opinion of what he had seen.

"The prince set out, accompanied by the royal
suite and the chief nobility. Trumpets, cymbals,
and other instruments preceded this brilliant caval-
cade. After traversing a part of the city only, he
returned to the palace, when the king desired him
to relate what most arrested his attention.

" 4 1 observed nothing, sire/ said he, ' but the
great noise caused by the cymbals and trumpets,
which confounded me.'

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Beauty of Obedience.

109

" A few days later, the king sent for his second
son, and commanded him to attend very early the
next day, when he subjected him to the same
ordeal as his brother, but with a somewhat more
favourable result.

"Again, after some days, he called for his
youngest son's attendance. Now this young man
came to the palace very early, long before his father
was awake, and waited patiently until the king arose,
when he entered his chamber with that respectful hu-
miliation which became him. The king then desired
him to bring his clothes that he might dress. The
young prince begged the king to specify which
clothes, boots, etc., the same with all the other things
he desired, so that he could bring all at the same
time, neither would he permit the attendant to assist
him, saying, if the king permitted him he would feel
highly honoured, and was willing to do all that was
required.

"When the king was dressed, he requested his
son to bring his horse. Again the son asked what
horse, saddle, spurs, sword, and other requisites he
desired to have ; and as he commanded so it was
done, without trouble or farther annoyance.

" Now, when all was ready, the king, as before,
declined going. He, however, requested his son to
go, and to take notice of what he saw, so that on his
return he might relate to him what he thought
worthy of notice.

"In obedience to his father's commands, the

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Count Lucanor.

young prince rode through the city, attended by the
same escort as his brothers ; but they knew nothing,
neither did the younger son, nor indeed anyone else,
of the object the king had in view. As he rode
along, he desired that they would show him the
interior of the city, the streets, and where the king
kept his treasures, and what was supposed to be the
amount thereof ; he inquired where the nobility and
people of importance in the city lived; after this,
he desired that they should present to him all
the cavalry and infantry, and these he made go
through their evolutions; he afterwards visited the
walls, towers, and fortresses of the city, so that
when he returned to the king it was very late.

" The king desired him to tell him what he had
seen. The young prince replied, that he feared
giving offence if he stated all he felt at what he had
seen and observed. Now the king commanded him
to relate everything, as he hoped for his blessing.
The young man replied, that although he was sure
his father was a very good king, yet it seemed to him
he had not done as much good as he might, having
such good troops, so much power, and such great
resources; for, had he wished it, he might have
made himself master of the world.

"Now the king felt much pleased at this judi-
cious remark of his son. So when the time arrived
that he had to give his decision to the people, he
told them that he should appoint his youngest son
for their king, from the indications he had given him

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Notes of Character.

of his ability, by certain proofs of fitness to govern,
to which he had subjected all his sons, although he
would have desired to appoint his eldest son as his
successor ; yet he felt it a duty to select the one who
appeared best qualified for the station.

" And you, Count Lucanor, if you desire to know
which of the young men is the most promising, you
must reflect on what I have related to you, and, by
the adoption of similar means, you will be enabled
to form your opinion."

The Count was much pleased with what Patronio
had said ; and, as Don Juan found this to be a good
example, he ordered it to be written in this book,
and made the following lines, which say : —

By ways and works thou mayest know
Which youths to worthiest men will grow.

NOTES.

This interesting narrative, evidently of Arabic origin, recalls
to us the heroic tale related in the history of Rodrigo Diaz de
Vivar, commonly called the Cid Campeador. This interesting
tale is immortalized by Corneille in one of his best plays. The
story is as follows. The old Count Diego de Vivar, after the
gross insult he received from Count D'Orgaz, called his three
sons to him, and forcibly pressed their hands within his own.
Now the two elder ones, Fernando and Bermuda, shrieked
out as if they had been seized by the gripe of a lion, whilst
Rodrigo, the younger, gave no indication of pain, but uttered
an exclamation, and said, 1 If you were not my father I would
strike you." To which the old Count replied, "It would not
be the first blow I have received. You now know the offence ;
see, here is the sword ; I have nothing further to add. With

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112

Count Lucanor.

my white hairs I go to weep over my insulted honour, leaving
you, my son, the duty to avenge it." The sentence uttered by
the old Count, addressing his son, as written by Corneille, is
truly beautiful, when with impassioned dignity he exclaims,
"Rodrique, as-tu du coeur ? " (" Rodrigo, have you a heart ? ")

With more discernment, Don Manuel, who has probably
taken this historical fact as the foundation of his own story,
with this difference, however, that in his recital he relies, not
as the Cid, upon physical indications, but after due investiga-
tions, as is shown in his narrative, places his reliance more
upon the reasoning powers and mental development of, as in
the case of Diego, the younger son.

CHAPTER XIX.

Of that which happened to the Canons of the Cathe-
dral Church of Paris, and to the Friars of Saint
Francis, called Minors.

OUNT LUCANOR, conversing one day
with Patronio his counsellor, said as
follows : —

"Patronio, I have a friend, with
whom I have arranged to do a certain thing, which
we anticipate will be to our mutual advantage and
honour. An opportunity now presents itself to com-
mence this undertaking; but, my friend being at
present absent, I feel uncertain how to act until he
returns. Now, as it has pleased God to bless you
with a good understanding, I pray you to give me
your advice."

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" He in their presence, burnt all the writings."

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A TlNTINNABULAR LITIGATION. II3

" My lord," said Patronio, " if you would act as it
appears to me the most advisable for your interest,
I should like you to know what happened to the
canons of the cathedral church of Paris, with a con*
vent of friars minors."

The Count begged him to relate what it was.

" The canons of the cathedral said, that, as they
were the superior order in the church, they had the
right to toll the first morning bell. The friars con-
tended that, as they were obliged to rise very early "
to study, and then to sing matins, they ought more
properly to toll the first bell, and wait for no one*
All this caused much contention and disputing, both
parties expending large sums of money on lawyers
and legal documents, the litigation continuing a very
long time at the papal court

"At length a mandate arrived, referring the
matter to a cardinal, with an express command that
he should promptly decide the question at issue.

"The cardinal ordered all the documents of the
case to be placed before him : the multiplicity ol
these was enough to frighten any man. Now, after
having arranged the papers in order, he cited the in-
terested parties to appear before him on a given day
to receive sentence. When they assembled before
him, he, in their presence, burnt all the writings,
and said, ' Friends, the cause has gone on long
enough, costing you both much trouble and money ;
I will therefore discontinue the suit, giving as a final

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Count Lucanor.

sentence, that they who rise first shall toll the morn-
ing bell/

"And you, Count Lucanor, if the project is
advantageous to both, and you are able to do it
alone, I should advise you not to lose your op-
portunity, but act with promptness and decision.
Things are often irretrievably lost by hesitation and
uncalled-for delay, so that afterwards, when a man
desires to act, he finds himself incapable of so doing."

The Count, considering this to be very good advice,
acted upon it, and found the results to answer well.
And Don Juan, understanding that this was a good
example, had it inscribed in this book, and composed
the following verse : —

The good occasion — use it,
Lest, through delay, you lose it !

NOTES.

The above tale resembles not a little the facetious style gene-
rally adopted by the Archpriest of Hita, Juan Ruiz, famous
for his satirical writings, and a contemporary of Don Juan
Manuel, and by Rabelais. These two writers were particularly
noted for their satirical allegories. The cardinal, in his refined
satire, not only lanced a tacit condemnation against the indo-
lence of the canons, but against also the arbitrary and unjust
claim set up by them, in contesting with an inferior class that
right to which industry and early rising clearly entitled them.

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CHAPTER XX.

Of that which happened to a Falcon and a Heron
and, more particularly, to a cunning Falcon, which
belonged to the Infant Don Manuel.

OUNT LUCANOR conversed one day
with his counsellor, Patronio, in the
manner following : —

"Patronio," said he, "it has hap-
pened lately to me to have contentions with many
men, and no sooner is one quarrel ended than I am
by some one instigated to commence another ; others
again recommend me to rest and be at peace, while
again, others wish me to renew the war with the
Moors. Now, knowing that no one is better able
than yourself to advise me, I pray that you will
counsel me how best to act under these circum-
stances."

"My lord," said Patronio, "in order that you
may the better act with judgment, it would be well
that you should know what happened to a cunning
falcon, belonging to the Infant Don Manuel."

The Count begged that he would relate the cir-
cumstance.

"Count Lucanor," said Patronio, "the Infant
Don Manuel being one day at the chase in the
country near Escalona let fly a cunning falcon at a*

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n6 Count Lucanor.

heron. Scarcely had he mounted above the heron,
than he perceived an eagle approaching, when the
falcon, being in great fear of him, left the heron and
took to flight. The eagle, finding that he could not
overtake the falcon, gave up the chase. As soon as
the falcon saw that the eagle had departed he
renewed his pursuit of the heron ; which the eagle
perceiving, turned again upon the falcon, when the
falcon again took flight as before, pursued by the
eagle, which soon gave up the chase, when immediately
the falcon returned to chase the heron. This occurred
three or four times, the eagle departing each time, as
before, and each time returning to kill the falcon.

"The falcon, perceiving that the eagle rendered
his killing the heron impossible, he mounted above
the eagle and descended upon him with great fierce-
ness, wounding him several times, until he drove
him away. No sooner was he gone than he flew
in pursuit of the heron and was engaged with it
very high in air, which the eagle perceiving, again
returned to attack him. The falcon, seeing that all
his attempts were frustrated, left the heron, and
mounted again above the eagle, descending upon him
with such violence that he broke his wing. Seeing
the eagle fall to the ground with the wing broken,
the falcon then went in pursuit of the heron, and
killed it this time, having freed himself from the
hindrance of the eagle.

"And you, Count Lucanor, since you desire to
know how best to act as regards your estate, your

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War with the Moors.

117

honour, and your soul, and how best to devote your-
self to the service of God, can anything in the world
be more proper, considering your position, than
going to war with the Moors, for the glory of the
holy and true catholic faith ? Therefore, as soon as
you can liberate yourself from other parties, com-
mence a war with the Moors, as much good must
arise from it. Firstly, you are devoting yourself to
the service of God in an honourable engagement,
gaining renown, and not eating the bread of idleness,
which should never be said of a powerful noble.
And, moreover, those holding your position, and
without occupation, are unable to appreciate the
worth of those who surround them, who lose the
reward which, if engaged, they might otherwise
deserve. Idleness may also incline you to do that
which might be better left alone. Since, therefore,
it is good and profitable that you, holding the posi-
tion you do, should be well employed, certain it is
that nothing can be better, more honourable, and
more to your advantage here and hereafter than a
war with the Moors.

" Reflect, at least, on the example I gave you of
the leap made by Richard, King of England, and
how much he gained by it. And remember in your
heart that you must die, and that God is all-seeing
and of great justice, and that you cannot escape the
great punishment due to you for those sins which
you have committed unless indeed you should be for-
unate enough to have an opportunity to do penance

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Count Lucanor.

for your sins. So if, being at war with the Moors,
you were slain, being at the time truly penitent, you
would have the good fortune of being a martyr ; and
if you were not killed in battle, your good works
and your good intentions would save you."

The Count considered this a good example, and
determined in his heart to follow it. He prayed
to God to direct him how best to carry out his
wishes.

And Don Juan, understanding that this example
was very good, ordered it to be written in this book,
and made these lines, which say as follows : —

God's guidance making thee secure,
Fight on to the end, of victory sure.

NOTE.

This original and amusing tale of Don Manuel appears to be
written by the hand of an old hunter, and has not only a war-
like but a political signification, illustrating the necessity of
exercising our ingenuity, judgment, and steady resolution to
overcome opposition, losing not the opportunity, if presented,
to soar above, and, like the falcon, overwhelm by the force of
well-directed determination what before appeared invincible.

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Ferran Gonzalez. 119

CHAPTER XXI.

Recounts what happened to Count Ferran Gonzalez,
and the Reply which he gave to his Vassals.

OUNT LUCANOR returned one day
from a campaign, much wearied and
quite overcome with fatigue, his treasury
being also literally empty; and in this
state, before he could enjoy any repose, he received
intelligence that another attack was about to be
made upon him. Now, the greater number of his
vassals, hearing this, strongly advised him to rest
and recruit his exhausted strength, and then act as
circumstances might dictate.

Now the Count begged of Patronio to advise
him, and this latter replied that, in his opinion, the
best way to do this would be by relating to him the
answer Count Ferran Gonzalez once gave to his
vassals.

" The Count Ferran Gonzalez conquered Almarzon
in Hacinas, and lost there very many of his troops,
he himself and the survivors being badly wounded.
Now, before they had recovered from their fatigues
and wounds, the Count was informed that the
King of Navarre had entered his dominions, and
he immediately summoned his vassals to prepare
themselves to attack those of Navarre. To this they

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120

Count Lucanor.

replied, that both themselves and their horses were
too fatigued, and, although desirous to do their duty
as usual, yet being wounded as well as the Count
himself, they hoped they should be allowed to rest
until they were recovered.

"When the Count saw they were all of the
same mind, being himself more influenced by his
honour than his sufferings, replied, ' Friends, for
the wounds which we have, let us not desert our
duty ; remember, those we may receive will serve
but to make us forget the old ones.'

" His people, seeing that he was devoid of all
personal considerations, and influenced only by a
sense of honour and love of his country, went with
him and gained the battle, after which they had a
long continuance of peace.

"And you, Count Lucanor, if you are really
desirous of doing that which you ought to do,
seeing how much is required for the defence of your
country, of your people, and of your honour, do not
remain inactive because of your unhappy position, or
your fatigue, or from a sense of danger, for the new
enterprise will serve but to make you forget the
troubles which are passed."

And the Count, considering this to be a good
example and very good advice, followed it and
found the result favourable.

And Don Juan, understanding that this tale was
worthy a place in this book, had it written therein,
and composed the following verses : —

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Honour and Ease.

121

Hold this for sure, for 'tis a truth well proved,
Honour and slothful ease are wide removed.

NOTES.

Don Manuel has in this tale exemplified the turbulence of
the feudal system of the middle ages. The fable belongs to
the tenth century, when every sovereign of lesser rank was
little better than a party chief; and had full scope for the
exercise of his virtues as well as his vices. The moral tone of
society was reduced to so low an ebb that by force of opposi-
tion individual characters appear ennobled. The proximity of a
race so inimical in their characters and religion to their Spanish
neighbours ever increased the peril of these civil commotions. It
was necessary to go continually from frontier to frontier to arrange,
by the sword or otherwise, petty disputes. So each lord and chief
was forced to a constant display of courage and activity. Where
can we find anything nobler than the reply of Ferran Gon-
zalez, as given in this story, unless that of the French hero,
Christian and philosopher of the 16th century, when he said,
" La vie tst une lutte, ne perdons pas un seul jour; nous nous
repostrons dans VeUmite? "

The above story has been translated, as a specimen, by Tick-
nor, in his " History of Spanish Literature," vol. i., pp. 62-68,
and is, with one exception to be mentioned hereafter, the only
portion of the work which had ever up to this time (as far as
I am aware) appeared in English.

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Count Lucanor-

CHAPTER XXIL

Of that which happened to a King and
his Favourite.

HEN Count Lucanor was once in confi-
dential conversation with Patronio, his
adviser, he said, "Patronio, a man of
rank, much honoured and of great in-
fluence, and who, you must know, is a particular friend
of mine, a few days since informed me, in strict confi-
dence, that, from circumstances which have occurred,
he had determined upon leaving this country never to
return ; and, in testimony of the great regard which he
has for me, he desires to leave me all his lands — those
which he has purchased, . as also those which he
holds on tenure. It appears to be a great honour as
well as very advantageous to me ; yet I pray you to
tell me what you think of it, and how I ought to
act under such circumstances."

"Count Lucanor," said Patronio, "your own
good sense needs but little of my advice ; but,
since you desire my opinion of the matter, let me
caution you against being deceived. In the first
place, I would say, that however much you may
consider this man as your friend, I am of opinion
his object is to deceive you ; indeed, your position

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The King's. Favourite. 123

Calls to my mind that which, under similar circum-
stances, happened to a king and his favourite."

Count Lucanor desired to be informed what that
was ; and Patronio related it as follows : —

" There was a king, who had a favourite in whom
he had great confidence, which excited the jealousy
of those around, so that they sought every oppor-
tunity to speak evil of him to the king, his lord.
Nevertheless, with all their statements, the king
could not be induced to suspect or doubt his loyalty.
Seeing that they were in no way able to accomplish
what they desired, they informed the king that his
favourite was plotting to bring about his death, and
as to a young son that the king had, as soon as he
had him in his power, he intended to destroy him,
and so possess himself of the kingdom.

" It was not until the king heard this that he en-
tertained any doubt as to the loyalty of his favourite,
but now he was sorely grieved, and was not without
fear ; for in such cases, where there is so much to
lose and so much to be gained, no prudent man can
hope to act rightly without proof; and therefore
the king remained overwhelmed with doubt and
suspicion and in great fear, not knowing how to
act until he really knew the truth, for he knew there
were those who sought evil against his favourite.

"The courtiers, seeing the king's anxiety, came
to him and informed him of an ingenious method,
by which he would be enabled to prove the truth of
what they had asserted.

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124

Count Lucanor.

"After hearing them, the king thought well of
their suggestions, and acted upon them. Some few
days after, the king, conversing with his favourite,
gave him to understand by degrees that he was much
disgusted with the life of this world, in which all
appeared as vanity ; saying no more to him on this
occasion. At the end of some days, while talking
again with him, he remarked, as if by accident, that
each day made him more dislike the life and manners
of the world, and so often repeated the same thing
until at last the favourite was impressed with the
conviction that the king really had no enjoyment in
the honours, or riches, or pleasures of this world.
And when the king saw that he was fully impressed
with this feeling, he said to him, one day, ' I have
been reflecting upon the subject which occupies my
thoughts, and have come to the determination to re-
sign my kingdom, and retire into a distant country,
where I am not known and where I can enjoy the
pleasure of retirement and peace, and where I can
do penance for my sins, and so obtain the mercy and
grace of God, fitting me for the glory of Paradise.'

" When the favourite heard these words of the
king, he was much astonished, and used every argu-
ment to divert him from his intentions ; and, among
others, how unjustly he would be acting towards
God, in leaving his people, amongst whom now
there was peace and justice ; for it was quite certain
that as soon as he had departed the country would
be torn by revolutions and contentions, doing great

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The Favourite Tested. 125

injury to the cause of God, and to the kingdom, and,
above all, said he, ' you cannot with justice leave the
queen and your son, who is still so young, exposed (as
they certainly will be) to so much danger, both as
regards their persons and their estates/

"To this the king replied, 'I have well con-
sidered in my mind how best I shall be able to leave
my kingdom well protected, as also my wife and son,
and maintain order in the land. You know that I
have raised you to your present position, and have
rendered you great service. In return, I have ever
found you loyal; you have always served me well
and with rectitude. For these reasons, I feel assured
I can leave the queen and my son with you in
greater safety than with any other man in the world.
I therefore consign them to your care, with all the
fortresses and provinces of my kingdom, convinced
that no harm can come to them, or treachery to my
son; and if I should ever return, I feel certain of
finding safe all I have left in your charge ; and if,
perchance, I should die, I have equal confidence that
you will guard and protect my son until the time
comes when he is able to govern the kingdom. It
is for these reasons that I feel I can leave well
protected all that I possess.'

"When the counsellor found that it was impos-
sible to divert the king from his intentions, and
heard that the queen and her son were to be left
in his charge, he could not conceal the gratification^
he felt in having full power to act as he pleased.

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126 Count Lucanor.

" Now he had in his house a captive, who was a
very wise man and a philosopher, and whom he was
accustomed to consult in all important matters. As
soon, therefore, as he parted from the king, he sought
his captive and recounted to him what the king had
said, and how gratified he felt in the good fortune
of having the queen, and her son, and all the king-
dom placed under his entire control.

u When the captive philosopher heard all that had
passed between his lord and the king, he blamed him
very much for accepting the king's proposals, saying
that he felt certain he had placed himself and his
possessions in great danger, ' for, whatever the king
may have said, it is not his intention to do so ; his
only object is to verify the suspicions which your
enemies have impressed on his mind ; and by letting
him see that you are pleased by his proposal, you
have placed yourself in great danger/

"When the counsellor of the king heard this
explanation he was in great trouble, for he now saw
clearly that everything was as his captive had said.
And when the wise man whom he kept in his house
saw him in such great distress, he counselled him in
what manner he might escape from the danger in
which he was placed, and this was the way. He
was that night to shave off his hair and beard and
clothe himself in an old and patched garment, such
as is worn by wandering beggars, and with a staff
and a pair of old broken shoes well ironed and
gaping open, and to put between the lining of his

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Proven Loyalty.

127

clothes a quantity of gold pieces. In this way, at
the break of day, he appeared at the gate of the king,
and desired the porter who was there to inform the
king secretly that he was prepared to depart with
him, before the people were awake. The porter
was astonished to see him come in that style to have
an interview with the king, but did as he desired.

" The king marvelled much at this message, and
desired his favourite to enter. When he saw him
he was astonished, and requested to be informed
why he presented himself in that style of dress.

" The counsellor replied that, knowing his deter-
mination to travel into a foreign country, and that
he so desired it that no persuasion could alter his
resolution ; and, as all the honour and wealth which
he possessed were derived from the king, and seeing
the misery and expatriation he had determined to
undergo, even to the leaving of his queen, his son,
and his kingdom, he had resolved to travel with him,
and to serve him with an unceasing fidelity. He
had assumed the dress in which he presented himself
in order that they might travel unknown, and having
placed gold enough in his vest to serve both their
lives, he ventured to suggest that they should im-
mediately deoart, before their intentions could be
known.

"When ine king heard what his favourite had
said, believing in his true loyalty, he expressed him-
self much pleased, and related the manner in which
he had been deceived, and that what he had said

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Count Lucanor.

was but to prove his sincerity. And the counsellor
thanked God that he had taken the advice of the
philosopher whom he held as a captive in his house.

''And you, Count Lucanor, must take care not
to be deceived by this offer of your friend, for certain
it is that he only makes it to test your feelings, as
to your desiring to possess yourself of his honour
and possessions. Assure him, to the contrary, that
you desire neither the one nor the other; for with-
out confidence, friendship cannot continue long."

And the Count thought well of the advice which
Patronio gave, and, following it, found the end
beneficial.

And Don Juan, considering this example to be
very good, caused it to be written in this book, and
composed these lines : —

Do not believe that a man will descend

To dishonour himself for the good of a friend.

And these others which say: —

By the pity of God, and a good counsel in need,
A man shall from danger escape, and succeed.

NOTE.

In this example, the moralist and courtier, Don Manuel,
gives us two distinct lessons, the principal of which is addressed
to court favourites, and, we suspect, the fruit of his own expe-
rience, he having passed the greater part of his life in constant
trouble and anxiety, caused by the perfidy of Alfonso XI, who
was continually laying snares for him, though, being more en-
lightened than his master, he knew how to evade them. In

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The Good Man and his Ass. 129

many Indian and Arabian tales we find examples of the con-
stant struggle going on between kings and favourites. In those
states where despotism reigned, ambition was always urging
men to dangerous stratagems ; the art exemplified in such can-
not astonish us more than the multiplicity of plots arising from
the natural distrust of the Asiatic character.

CHAPTER XXIII.

What happened to a good Man and his Son,
leading a beast to market.

[N another occasion, when Count Luca-
nor was conversing with Patronio, his
adviser, he informed him that he felt
much embarrassed as to the method of
carrying out an object which he had in view, for
he felt that in whatever way he acted many people
would criticise and blame him, some with reason
and some without.

" How shall I act ? " said the Count. " I pray
you to inform me what you would advise under the
circumstances."

" Count Lucanor," said Patronio, "I know that
you can find many men more able to advise you than
I am; besides, God has blessed you with a good
understanding, making my advice but of little service
to you ; but, since it is your desire that I should give
you my opinion how to act, I shall have much,
pleasure in being permitted to recount what once

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Count Lucanor.

happened, under similar circumstances, to a man
and his son."

The Count expressing his desire to be informed
what that was, Patronio related as follows : —

" A good man had a son, who, although young, had
so excellent an understanding that the father was
induced to consult him in all his projects. The
son, however, had no decision or perseverance in
his character ; and whatever the father proposed, so
many doubts and objections were raised by the son
that each project was abandoned, and it ended by
nothing being done.

" It is well known that, although the young may
not be deficient in understanding and spirit, yet
they may commit many errors : having a mind to
see the right thing to be done, but, wanting perse-
verance and a good guide, never complete anything.
And so this young man, though he had a naturally
good understanding, yet, wanting the resolution to
complete anything, caused his father much trouble in
many of his undertakings.

"For a long time the father submitted to this
state of things, suffering much injury from being
interfered with in his projects, and annoyance from
many things which his son said to him. At length
he determined to punish his son, and give him an
example by showing him how he managed his own
affairs when not interfered with, as we are told by
eye-witnesses.

" The good man and his son were farmers, living

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Remarks of Passers-by. 131

in the neighbourhood of a town. One market-day
he told him they should both go there to buy some
things which were wanted. They agreed to take a
beast to bring back the goods ; and accordingly went
to market, leading the beast. On their way they met
some men returning from the town. After saluting,
these latter remarked how strange it was that they
should lead the beast and walk. The good man
asked his son what he thought of the remarks made
by the men. The son replied that what they said
was just, for the animal being unladen it was silly for
them to be walking. The good man then told his
son to mount, and so journeying they met other men,
who commenced saying, ' How is it that the old
man, who appears fatigued, should be walking while
the young man is riding ? ' Again the good man
asked his son what he thought of this remark ; again
he replied that he thought they were right. The
father thep told his son to dismount, and mounted
in his stead. A little way further they met some
people who observed how unjust it appeared that the
old man, who was accustomed to hardships, should
be riding like a gentleman, while he allowed his son,
who was young and delicate, to walk. Again the
good man inquired of his son what he now thought ;
he replied that he agreed with them. On this the
good man desired his son to mount also, so that
neither should walk. Again they met others, who
remarked to them that they were committing a great
error in both riding on a beast so thin and appa*

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132 Count Lucanor.

rently so ill able to bear them. Again the good
man demanded of his son what he thought of these
last remarks. The youth replied, it certainly ap-
peared to him that what they said was true.

" Then the father answered his son, saying, ' Son,
remember when we left home we led the beast un-
laden, which you thought was best After meeting
some men on the road, who made remarks on our
walking, I ordered you to mount, you then agreed
with them. We met, afterwards, other men, who
said that was not right, in which you also agreed. I
then ordered you to dismount, and mounted in your
stead; and, forsooth, because others remarked on
my riding and your walking, I ordered you to mount
with me; and this also you thought was the best.
And now, because others said we were both wrong
in riding, you concur with them. Such being the
case, I beg of you to tell me what it is possible to
do that will not admit of being criticised. We were
both walking, and they said we were wrong ; I
walked and you rode, again we erred ; then I rode
on the beast and you walked, this was judged wrong.
Hence, you see, it is not possible, do what you will,
to avoid criticism. And this I give you as an
example, so certain am I that no action, however
worthy, will be thought well of by all. If the
action is good, the ill-disposed will find some fault
with it ; and if it is an evil action, the good must
certainly condemn it. So while you endeavour
conscientiously to do your best, still many will speak

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Diversity of Opinion. 133

of you and judge your actions according to their
own views/

" And now, Count Lucanor, what is it you
desire to do and yet fear what the people may
say, whether you do it or do it not ? Since you
command me to advise you, my counsel is this,
before commencing the undertaking, look at the good
and evil which may follow, taking care that your
own inclinations do not mislead you ; and seek the
advice of those who are of sound understanding
and well informed. If such an adviser is not to be
met with, take care that you proceed carefully and
justly, allowing a day and a night to pass before
carrying out your determination, that is, if time
permits, carefully avoiding being influenced by the
feeling of what people might say of you."

The Count found Patronio's advice good; and,
acting accordingly, all ended well.

And Don Juan, approving of this example,
ordered it to be written in this book, and composed
the following lines, which are an abbreviation of the
whole moral ; and the lines are : —

In thy chosen life's adventure, stedfastly pursue the cause,
Neither moved by critic's censure, nor the multitude's applause.

NOTES.

This is a well-known fable in all languages. Although Don
Manuel's may not be the first, there is yet much that is original
in its detail. La Fontaine's fable of "The Miller, his Son,
and the Ass," book the third, fable the first, is preceded by a

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134

Count Lucanor*

prologue, wherein he tells us that he has taken his subject
from the life of Malherbe, a writer of the sixteenth century,
wherein Malherbe represents himself, like Patronio, giving ad-
vice to Racan, his friend but superior in station, who, like Count
Lucanor, informs him how undecided he is as to his future
course of life. The answer given is the fable above named,
which bears an exact resemblance to Don Manuel's, except
in the conclusion. The narrative given in this fable first
reappears in the Turkish romance, entitled, "The Forty
Viziers, n where it figures under the title of "The Gardener,
his Son, and an Ass." This work belongs to the fifteenth cen-
tury, and its author acknowledges to have taken his idea from an
ancient Arabian v tale, by Cheikh Zade, entitled, "Hikaiat Arba'in
Sebah wamesa" — " Forty Mornings and Forty Evenings," which
latter is derived from the "Book of Sindabah," an Indian
romance. This last was translated from Sanscrit into Persian,
from that into Arabic, then into Syriac, then into Hebrew.
This has served for the Latin work composed towards the end
of the twelfth or the beginning of the thirteenth century, under
the title of "Historia Septem Sapientium Roma? by Jehans, a
monk of Hauteselve, from whence four modern translations
are extant, amongst them the French one of 1492, whence
Malherbe doubtless derived the subject.

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135

CHAPTER XXIV.

Of what a Genovese said to his soul when
about to die.

OUNT LUCANOR, conversing one day
with Patronio, said, " Thank God ! I
feel happy with myself and at peace
with all the world. Now I am advised
to undertake a dangerous pilgrimage, and I am
disposed to follow this advice. Such is my con-
fidence, however, in you, that before commencing
the undertaking I desire to have your opinion as
to its advisability. ,,

"My lord," said Patronio, "in order to know what
is most incumbent on you, I should like you to hear
what happened to a Genovese when communing with
his soul."

The Count desired him to relate what that was.

Patronio replied, " My lord, there was a Genovese
who was very rich, and highly esteemed by his
neighbours, who, finding himself at the point of
death, assembled all his friends and relations, and, as
soon as they arrived, sent for his wife and children,
and had himself conveyed to a splendid palace, from
whence there was a prospect of earth and sea, and
ordered all his treasures and jewels to be brought

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Count Lucanor.

before him ; and when all were before him, he began
to speak in a cheerful manner saying, ' My soul, so
you wish to leave me. I cannot tell why ; if it is
that you desire wife and children, here they are,
and such as you ought to be proud of ; if it is that
you long for friends and relations, here they are,
both good and honourable ; if it is gold and silver,
precious stones, jewels, and merchandise that you
desire, you have them here in abundance ; if you
desire vessels and galleys to bring you honour and
treasures from afar, behold them on the sea ; if you
desire lands or beautiful gardens, look on them from
these windows ; if it is horses, and mules, and dogs,
for hunting or amusement, you wish, or players to
entertain you ; or if it is luxurious rooms, beds, and
furniture, or any of the many things that are desir-
able in this life, of all these you have a super-
abundance. Since you have all that makes life
desirable, and are not contented therewith, but seek
for what you know not, go therefore to God/

{t And you, my lord, since, thanks be to God !
you are at peace — happy and honoured, take care
how you risk your present happiness, in following
the advice of those who desire only to engage you
in an undertaking which makes you amenable to
their wills. They are now submissive to you while
you are at home and at peace ; but being away, they
may avail themselves of the opportunity to increase
their possessions, which they cannot do so long as
ytfu live peaceably and quietly, corroborating that

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The Crow and the Fox.

137

which the Genovese said to his soul. My advice,
therefore, to you is, so long as you can enjoy peace,
comfort, and honour, not to risk them by unrequired
adventures."

The Count was well pleased with Patronio's
advice, followed it, and prospered.

And Don Juan, although liking this moral, did
not make a verse as usual, but contented himself by
applying to it the old Castilian proverb of —

" Who is well sitting, let him not rise."
NOTE.

I believe this to be an original fable, as no source has yet been
found from which it is supposed to be derived.

The yearning of the soul after something more enduring than
worldly treasures has been finely expressed by Don Juan, in
this chapter. Probably it has even deeper meanings than he
himself knew.

CHAPTER XXV.

What happened to the Crow, with the Fox,

NOTHER time, Count Lucanor, speak-
ing with Patronio, said, " A man
who pretends to be my friend began
praising me very much, and for the
regard he has for me desires to conduct a law-suit

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Count Lucakor.

for the obtaining of property which at first sight
appears to be my right." And the Count related
the circumstances of the law-suit to Patronio, and
how advantageous it appeared to him.

Patronio, seeing the deceit which lay hidden
under plausible words, said, "Count Lucanor, know
that this man is deceiving you, wishing to make you
believe that your power and position is greater than
it really is ; and in order to avoid falling into this
snare allow me to tell you what happened to a crow
with a fox."

The Count asked what that was.

" My lord," replied Patronio, " a crow, happening
to find a large piece of cheese, flew up into a tree,
in order to eat it without fear or interruption from
any one. As soon as he had settled there a fox
passed by at the foot of the tree, and, seeing the
cheese which the crow held, began to think how he
could get possession of it.

" He addressed the crow thus, 1 My lord crow, for
a long time I have heard marvellous tales of your
nobility and your appearance, and, although I have
sought you long, it was not the will of Providence
that I should meet you until to-day, and seeing you
now, find your merits have been much underrated ;
and, to convince you I am no flatterer, I will tell you
my real opinion of your merits, likewise what others
say of you. People say that the colour of your wings,
eyes, bill, and claws is approaching to black. Now,
as a blackish thing is not so becoming as any other,

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The Fox's Flattery.

139

people make little of your appearance, not seeing
how they err in doing so. It is true your wings are
black, but so brilliant that they would shame an
Indian peacock, the handsomest bird in the world.
What matter if your eyes are black, since black eyes
are considered so handsome; and what use is an
eye unless to see with ; and as everything black is
most attractive, black eyes are the best — those of
the gazelle being the most admired, and the darkest
possessed by any animal. Again, your bill, feet,
and claws are stronger than those of any other bird
of your size. Your flight also is light, as you can go
against the strongest wind more easily than any other
bird.* I hold that God, who does all things well,
would never allow you to be wanting in any accom-
plishment, so I cannot believe but that you sing as
well as any other bird. Now, since God has per-
mitted me to see you, and I find you so superior to
anything that has been said of you, only allow me to
hear you sing and I shall consider myself happy/

" Now, my lord, you will observe that the inten-
tion of the fox was to deceive the crow by flattering

* The exact contrary, of course, being the case, as a poet
who has left few appearances of nature unnoticed, has forcibly
said : —

44 To-night the winds begin to rise,
And roar from yonder dropping day :
The last red leaf is whirled away,
The rooks are blown about the skies"

In Mcmoriam, xv. |.

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140

Count Lucanor.

him with the appearance of truth ; and be assured
that the most dangerous and mortal injuries are
those where deceit most resembles truth. When
the crow heard how skilfully the fox praised him,
he believed as truth everything he said, and thought
him his friend, not suspecting it was all done with
the object of possessing himself of the cheese he
held in his bill. Having heard so much, he at last
yielded to the entreaties of the fox, and, opening his
bill for the purpose of singing, dropped the cheese,
which the fox immediately seized and departed.
Thus the crow was deceived by the fox, believing,
by his flattery, that he possessed more beauty and
accomplishments than he really had.

u And you, Count Lucanor, knowing that Provi-
dence has been bountiful to you, should see by this
that the man is endeavouring to make you believe
that you have more power and are more honoured
than you know to be the fact. Be on your guard,
therefore, against his deceit."

The Count was pleased by what Patronio said,
took his advice, and so avoided a serious error.

Don Juan, judging this a very good example,
ordered it to be written in this book, and composed
the following verses, which sum up in a few words
the entire moral of the story, and say as follows : —

Who praises you for what you have not
Seeks to deprive you of what you have got.

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The Fox and the Crow.

NOTE TO CHAPTER XXV.
The outline of this fable will be found in Babrius, i. 77.

KOPAS KAI AAOIIHS.

K6/wt{ dedrjx&s (rrbfiari rvpbv ettrr^Ket'

rvpov 8 1 dXdnrrjl; tyxmaGa. tcepSyrj

fivOip rbv 6pvtv iprdritfft roiovrqr

" Kopa£, kclXclI 001 irrtpvyct, b^iy yX^vrf,

" O-qiqTbt airxfyr oripvov aeroO (palms'

" flvvft wdvTWv Oripluiv icarurx** 1 *'

" 6 rotoj 6pvis Khxpbs i<r<rl kov Kp&feis ! *

ic6pa£ 5' iiralvy KapSlrp IxavwA&f,

orbfiaros Si rvpbv iKpaX&v iiceKpdyet.

rbv fj <J0<p7) Xapovaa Keprdpup yXdxray,

" ovk fjotf* Hjpvvoi" ehrev, 1 * dXXd

u ^x cif > ^P^j Ibram*' vods 84 aw. Xcixei."

Thus translated by the Rev. James Davies, (p. 68).
THE FOX AND THE CROW.

A crow upon his perch was munching cheese,
When a sly fox, by arguments like these,
To suit herself, beguiled him of his prize : —
41 Fair are thy plumes, good crow, and bright thine eyes,
" Charming thy neck, an eagle's breast thou hast,
" In talons thou art by no brute surpass'd.
" Tis strange that dumb should be a bird so smart ! "
The flattered crow became elate in heart,
And, cawing, from his mouth the cheese let fall ;
This Reynard snatch'd, and tauntingly did call,
" Tis true thou wast not dumb, for thou canst speak,
1 Yet, spite of all thou hast, thy mind is weak."

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Count Lucanor.

CHAPTER XXVI.

What happened to the Swallow, with the other birds,
when he saw the flax sown.

OUNT LUCANOR, conversing one
day with Patronio, spoke thus: —

"Patronio, they tell me that my
more powerful neighbours are plotting
together and using all their influence to deceive and
injure me. I do not, however, myself believe it.
Still, knowing your prudence, I wish to ask you
what you think I ought to do in this matter."

" My lord," said Patronio, u in order that you
may better understand your duty in this case,
permit me to relate to you what happened to
the swallow and the other birds."

The Count requested to be informed what that
was; and Patronio spoke thus: —

" My lord, a swallow one day saw a man
sowing flax, and perceived that if the flax grew
up men would be enabled with the thread produced
therefrom to make nets wherewith to catch birds;
so when the sowing was completed, this swallow
assembled all the other birds and informed them how

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The Swallow's Foresight. 143

the man had sown the flax, also telling them that
when the seed came to perfection it would probably
be used to injure them.

" Now his advice was, that before the seed com-
menced growing, and while it was not attached to
the earth, they should root it up and destroy it, as it
would be very difficult to do so afterwards.

"The birds thought but little of this advice,
although he urged it many times, and were not
disposed to act. Now the flax so grew that the
birds could not uproot it either with their claws
or their bills. When the birds found this to be
the case, they regretted not having taken the advice
of the swallow to avert the injury now inevitable ;
but, alas ! it was too late.

"Now when the swallow saw the birds would
not assist him to avert the common danger, he went
to the man, and, placing himself under his protec-
tion, obtained from him, for himself and his progeny,
a promise of future security ; and since that time we
see that the swallows are safe with men, whilst the
other birds are daily caught in nets.

"And you, my lord, if you wish to avert the
danger which you think threatens you, remember
the saying of the wise man, "when you perceive a
t threatened danger use every precaution to avert it,
for he is not a sensible man who only sees the
danger after it has come upon him ; but wise is he
who by a slight sign or movement forsees the ap-
proaching evil, and provides against it.' 99

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Count Lucanor.

The Count was much pleased with this narrative
of Patronio's, and, acting according to his advice,
found it prosper.

And as Don Juan approved of this example, he
ordered it to be written in this book, and composed
the following lines, which say : —

Wouldst thou make sure from danger to escape,
Then wait not till it take a threatening shape.

NOTE 1

This tale is found in JEsop, and La Fontaine has made it the
subject of one of his prettiest fables. But there is a point in the
prose apologue of Don Manuel, and in an apologue in verse
by his contemporary, Juan Ruiz de Hita, which La Fontaine
has missed. This lies in the decision of the swallow to seek the
protection of men and frequent their dwellings.

CHAPTER XXVII.

Relates what happened to a Man who carried a very
precious Treasure hung round his neck, and who
had to pass a River.

NE day Count Lucanor said to Pa-
tronio, " It is requisite that I should
visit a distant part of the country,
where I have to receive a large sum
of money, which I can employ advantageously here,

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" -----

" The king and an attendant, who stood on the opposite bank, called out to
him in a loud voice to throw away the load which he carried,
otherwise he would be lost."

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Crossing the River. 145

and having great fear that in returning I may be
exposed to much personal danger, I ask for your
advice how to act."

" My lord," said Patronio, 44 in order that you
may better understand how to act in this emergency,
allow me to tell you what happened to a man who
had to convey a treasure across a river, and which
he carried round his neck."

The Count desired him to proceed, which Pa-
tronio did in the following manner: —

44 My lord, this man had to pass a very wide and
muddy river; and there was no alternative, there
being neither bridge, nor boat, nor any other means of
transit, but that of passing through the water. So,
taking off his shoes, he found that with their weight
and that of the treasure which he carried it was
difficult to avoid sinking, the mud increasing as he
reached the centre of the river.

44 The king, and an attendant who stood on the
opposite bank, called out to him in a loud voice
to throw away the load which he carried, otherwise
he would be lost.

44 The foolish man, little thinking that if he sank
he would lose not only his treasure but his own life
also, would not follow the advice given him by the
king who stood on the opposite shore. As the
current was very strong and the mud became deeper,
the man gradually sank until the water reached his
neck. Endeavouring now to free his feet from the
mud, he found it impossible; for, with the weight

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Count Lucanor.

which he carried, he rolled over, sank, and was
suffocated.

"Thus, from a miserly feeling, he would not
follow the good advice given him by the king, and
so lost his own life and the treasure which he
carried.

"Now I advise you, Count Lucanor, let the sum
be what it may, and the use of it here be ever so
tempting, take care that avarice does not lead you
astray, inducing you to risk your own life ; for who-
ever should do so, setting his own life at small value,
will certainly not receive the esteem of his fellow-
men ; unless, indeed, his honour is concerned thereby.
For a man who sets small value upon his own life,
and has not self-respect, cannot receive the respect of
others. For it is certain that a man who properly
respects himself will never risk his life through
avarice or trifling causes, but only in defence of his
honour."

And the Count, liking this advice, followed it.
And Don Juan, admiring the precept, had it written
in this book, and composed the following verses : —

Who risks his life for greed of pelf
Can hardly hope to enrich himself.

NOTE,

We believe this fable to be original, as we do not recollect
having seen it in any collection. But, whatever may be its
origin, or the changes that have been rung on it, the moral
application which follows Patronio's recital assures to Don
Manuel's production the most distinguished place*

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147

CHAPTER XXVIIL

Of what happened to a woman called Truhana.

OUNT LUCANOR once said to Pa-
tronio, "A man has unfolded to me a
scheme, and has shown me the manner
in which it can be carried out. And I
assure you that it is in so many ways admirable and
worthy of approval, that, if heaven blessed me with
the success it promises, it would be much to my
advantage ; for so many things spring out of it, the
one from the other, that in the end it would be a
very great and noble achievement." He then in-
formed Patronio of all the particulars. Who, after
he had heard the Count's arguments, answered him
thus : —

"My lord, I have always understood that it is
wisest to adhere to the things which are certain, and
not be ever running after shadows and vain things,
lest it happen to you as it did to Truhana."

The Count desired him to relate this story, which
Patronio did as follows : —

"A woman named Truhana, who was not very
rich, went one day to market, carrying on her head
a jar of honey. Along the road she was calculating
how she could sell the honey and buy eggs, these

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Count Lucanor.

eggs would produce chickens, and with the produce
of the sale of these latter she would buy lambs ; and
in this way was calculating how she would become
richer than her neighbours, and looked forward with
anxiety to well marrying her sons and daughters,
and how she would go through the streets, accom-
panied by her sons and daughters-in-law, and how
the people would say what a fortunate woman she
was to become so rich, having been so very poor.
Under the influence of these pleasurable thoughts,
she laughed heartily; when, suddenly striking the
jar with her hand, it fell to the ground and was
broken. Seeing this, she was in great grief at being
so suddenly deprived of all her flattering anticipa-
tions ; for, having fixed all her thoughts upon an
illusion, she lost that which was real.

"And you, my lord, if you allow yourself to
listen to everything that is proposed to you, so as tp
lose sight of the real and good, you can only blame
yourself for your failure."

The Count was much pleased, and followed this
good advice. And Don Juan, liking the moral,
wrote, and ordered to be put in this book the fol-
lowing lines : —

Confine your thoughts to what is real.
And cease to nurse a vain ideal.

NOTES.

There is scarcely a language in which this fable does not
appear under some form. It is, however, evidently of Eastern

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Castles in Spain.

»49

origin, as we find in the "Arabian Nights" a tale very similar
— "Alnaschar, the Barber's Brother." The earliest version is
in the fifth part of the Pantcha Tantra, entitled, " Aparickchita
Kariteva," or, "Inconsiderate Conduct," the object of which
is to show the danger of precipitation, and runs as follows: —
An avaricious brahmin, named Soma Sarma, had gathered,
in charitable offerings, a large jar full of flour. On entering
his home, he hung the jar upon a nail immediately opposite
the foot of his bed, so as not to lose sight of it. During the
night he awakened, and abandoned himself to the pleasurable
reflections of gain, saying, " Now this jar of flour, in case of a
scarcity, I can sell for at least one hundred pieces of money,
and with this sum I can buy a ram and a goat; these will
produce kids, and, selling these, I will purchase a couple of
cows ; after the sale of the calves I will procure a herd of buf-
faloes, which will turn out very advantageous and bring me
considerable sums of money; then I shall have a stud, and
will sell my horses to great advantage. I will build a fine
house and become a man of consequence, when some rich and
honourable man will give me his daughter in marriage, with a
princely fortune. As I probably shall have a son I will call
him by my own name, Soma Sarma ; as soon as he can totter I
will take him on horseback before me on the saddle, so that as
soon as he sees me he will quit his mother's apron strings and
come running towards me. I will call his mother to come
and take him away from me : she, being occupied with the
household affairs, will not attend to my summons, when 1 will
give him a kick." Saying these words, he stretched out his
foot so violently as to break the jar and upset all the flour about
the place, where it mingled with the dust and was totally lost ;
and with it vanished the bright and flattering illusions of Soma
Sarma

The name of Truhana in the tale is equivalent to our Ger-
trude.

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ISO Count Lucanor.

CHAPTER XXIX.

Of that which happened to a Man who was suffertng
from a malady and whose liver had to be cleansed.

NOTHER time, Count Lucanor spoke
thus to Patronio, saying, "Although
God has been very bountiful to me
in many ways, yet I am just now in
great want of money ; and, although I would almost
prefer dying to doing it, yet I feel I must be com-
pelled to sell one of my estates, to which I am much
attached, or have recourse to some other equally
ruinous means to free myself from my present em-
barrassments, I am daily pressed by creditors who
could well afford to wait. Now, knowing your good
understanding, I pray you to tell me how I had best
act under these pressing circumstances."

" My lord," said Patronio, " you are in much the
same position with these men as the man was who
was suffering from a malady."

" How was that ? " said the Count.
" Count," said Patronio, " a man was in great pain
from a disease and was informed by the doctors
that there was no other remedy than making an
opening in his side and taking out his liver and
washing it in certain medicated waters, as it was in

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Unreasonable Claims. 151

a very bad state. While he was suffering under
this operation, and the doctor held the liver in his
hand, another man who was there demanded a piece
of the liver for his cat.

"And you, Count Lucanor, if you desire to pro-
cure money at a serious injury to yourself to give to
those who can afford to wait for it, you are certainly
at liberty to do so if you wish, but you will never do
it by my advice."

The Count, being very much pleased by what
Patronio said, took care to profit by it ; and Don
Juan, liking the moral of the story, requested it
should be written in this book, and composed these
lines, which say as follows : —

Know when to give and when withhold
Or you may come to want untold.

CHAPTER XXX.

Of what happened to a man who through poverty
and lack of other food, was reduced to eat some
peas.

[OUNT LUCANOR, speaking one day
to Patronio, said, " God has been very
bountiful to me, in granting me much
more than I can individually enjoy;
yet it sometimes happens that I am so pressed for

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Count Lucanor.

money, that my life is a burden to me. I beg of you
to direct me in this trouble."

"My lord/' said Patronio, "in order that you
may better understand how to act under such cir-
cumstances, I will, with your permission, illustrate
your position by relating what happened to two rich
men/

The Count begged he would do so.

" My lord/' said Patronio, " it is said that one of
these two men became so destitute that he could not
even procure bread to eat. After begging from door
to door, until wearied out, all he could procure was
a handful of dried peas, very hard and bitter. Re-
membering his former opulence, and seeing himself
now reduced through hunger to eat these peas, he
began to cry bitterly. As he ate he threw away the
pods, when he perceived another man behind him
eating them. And this is the point to which I
wish to draw your attention. When he saw the
man eating the pods, he asked him why he did so.
* Because/ said this latter, 1 though I was once richer
than you ever were, yet I am now reduced to so
great a state of poverty and hunger that I am glad
to eat the pods which you are throwing away.'

" When the former man saw this, he found there
was yet another more destitute than himself, and less
deserving to be so. Seeing this, he directed his
heart to God and prayed that he might be shown
how to escape from so much poverty. His prayers
were heard, and he prospered ever after.

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" As he ate he threw away the pods, when he perceived another man
behind him eating them " . . . .

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Consolation in Poverty. 153

"And you, my lord, should know such is the
world, and it is ordained that no condition admits of
unalloyed happiness. If at any time, as it appears,
you are distressed for money, do not let discontent
enter your heart ; but reflect how many men there
are at the same moment, who have been both
richer and more honoured than yourself, who would
be only too glad to occupy what you consider an
unfortunate position."

The Count was much pleased with what Patronio
told him, exerted himself, and God helped him well
out of his difficulties.

And Don Juan, liking the example, had it written
in this book, and wrote the following lines : —

Let not poverty dismay your mind,

Since others poorer than yourself you find.

NOTES.

Without depriving the story of any part of its originality, we
think the idea was taken from the " Gulistan," of Saadi, chapter
the 19th, on the excellence of contentment. It also reminds
us of an excellent Italian saying : — " A man is never so well
as not to feel he can be better, nor so ill that he cannot be
worse.

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Count Lucanor*

CHAPTER XXXI.

What happened to a Cock and a Fox.

T another time Count Lucanor was con-
versing with Patronio, when he said,
" You know, thanks be to God, my
lands are very large, but are not all
united, so that I have many places which are very
strong and some which are not so — places which
are separated a long way from the rest of my estate
where my power is greatest. And, when I have any
contention with the neighbouring nobles who are
more powerful than myself, many who give them-
selves out for my friends, and others who volunteer
their counsels, endeavour to terrify me on this score,
and advise me on no account to go to those distant
territories, and to keep within my own defences.
Knowing your loyalty and superior judgment, I beg
you to advise me how to act in this case."

u My lord," said Patronio, " it is difficult to ad-
vise in great and perilous undertakings, as no man
can be certain of the results ; for how often when
we think we are acting for the best, things turn out
unfortunately; while, again, what at another time
appears to us the greatest misfortune, turns out to
our best advantage. So a man, even with the best
intentions, may give advice which may produce

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The Cock and the Fox.

155

effects contrary to his previsions; If the advice is
productive of no good, shame is his portion. In
asking me to give you advice in so doubtful and
perilous a position, I must beg you to allow me
to relate to you what happened to a cock with a
fox.

"My lord," said Patronio, "a good man had a
house in the mountains, and among other things
reared a great number of fowls.

u It happened upon one occasion, that a cock,
wandering a long way from the house, met a fox,
whom he no sooner observed than, fearing to be^
come his prey, he flew up into a tree. The fox,
seeing the cock in safety, felt very much annoyed at
having missed his aim. He immediately began to
consider how he could induce the cock to descend.
He commenced by begging he would come down
and continue his country walk. The cock abruptly
refused him, when the fox, seeing he could not per-
suade him, began to threaten him, saying, that, as
he could not trust him, he would find some means
to catch him. The cock, finding himself in safety,
laughed equally at his threats and promises. The
fox, seeing that he could not intimidate the cock,
began gnawing the tree and striking it with his tail.
The captive cock, being frightened without reason,
flew to another tree. The fox, seeing that he had
alarmed him, continued pursuing him from tree to
tree, each one taking him farther from home, until at
last he caught him and eat him.

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Count Lucanor.

#l And you, my lord, in your critical position, do
not let yourself be frightened at imaginary dangers,
but at the same time be prepared for real ones,
strengthening the defences of your smaller towns as
well as the large ones; and believe that no man
provided as you are with troops and provisions has
anything to fear behind his own walls. If through
uncalled-for fears you abandon your most distant
villages, they will chase you from one to another
until deprived of all. Even if you or yours show
the slightest disheartenment it will only serve to
strengthen your enemies, who, seeing your weak-
ness, will never lay down their arms while you
possess an inch of land ; but, if well defended from
the beginning, like the cock on the first tree, you
have nothing to fear from all the battering-rams and
scaling ladders of your enemies. Nay, more, to
convince you that I speak the truth, it Would be
impossible to find an army sufficiently strong to
make breaches in, or undermine the walls of so
many fortified villages. But, my lord, when after
due consideration you have determined and com-
menced acting, on no account retract. It is always
better to face danger than to fly from it, more men
being lost in retreat than in the battle-field. Like
a little dog attacking a hound ; so long as he remains
quiet, showing his teeth, he is safe, but once attempt
to run away and he is lost."

And the Count, feeling this to be good advice,
followed it, and was safe. And because Don Juan

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False Alarms.

thought this to be a good example, he had it written
in this book, and composed the following lines : —

Defend thee like a man in proper season,

But be not frighten'd when there is not reason.

NOTES.

This fable has nothing in common with that of La Fontaine
which bears the same title. In the ^sopian fable, versified by
the French poet, the cock does not fall a victim to the designs
of the fox. In Don Manuel's, on the contrary, he becomes,
after resisting all compliments, a prey to false alarms and want
of confidence when in actual safety. The moral which Don
Manuel intended to convey in his fable was not so much to guard
against the influence of flattery as against false alarms.

CHAPTER XXXII.
What happened to a Man catching Partridges.

OUNT LUCANOR, at another time
speaking to Patronio, said to him,
" Some men of high and low position
cause me and my people a great deal of
annoyance and injury, but, when appealed to, always
excuse themselves by expressing regret, and assuring
me that circumstances only compelled them to act in
the way they had done, and not their inclination.
Desiring to know how to act under these circum-
stances, I beg you to give me your advice."

"My lord," said Patronio, "in order that you

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'158

Count Lucanor.

should know under these circumstances how best to
act, I shall feel pleased at being permitted to relate
to you what happened to a man taking partridges.

"A man who had spread his net to take par-
tridges, as soon as he had caught them, commenced
killing them one by one, and, while so occupied, a
gust of wind blew so fiercely in his eyes as to cause
the tears to flow down his cheeks, when one of the
birds that was still alive in the net said to the others,
1 See, my friends, what pain it causes this good man
to kill us, for you see it makes him weep.*

" Another partridge, more knowing, and who had
avoided falling into the net, replied, ' My friend I
am very thankful to God for having preserved me
from falling into the snares of the fowler, and I
will continue to implore Providence that I and my
friends may be protected from all those who would
injure us, excusing themselves by saying that they
acted under the pressure of circumstances and
against their inclinations/

" And you, Count Lucanor, be on your guard
against those you see are disposed to injure you
under the plea that they are sorry for it. But if
the damage be trifling, and evidently to you unin-
tentional, and come from a person who has really
been of service to you, 1 would advise you to shut
your eyes and not notice it, unless you clearly see
that he is taking an undue advantage of your good
nature : it then becomes incumbent on you to defend
your fortune and your honour."

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Crocodiles' Tears.

The Count approved of this advice, and Don
Juan, considering it a good example, ordered it to
be inserted in this book, and wrote the following
verses : —

Who does thee ill and feigns regret,
Beware of falling in his net.

And on this matter another verse was made by v
Alfonso, friar of Santiago, which says thus : —

What avail the eyes that water
If the hands are bent on slaughter.

NOTE.

The first germ of this fable appears in Indian collections :
witness Lokman, fable 31. But Don Juan imparted to it an
entirely new turn and form. The moral with which it winds
up is essentially Spanish, and the advice given to Count Lucanor
has every appearance of being addressed to the treacherous
monarch Alfonso XI.

CHAPTER XXXIII.

Relates to what happened to a Man with his Friend
who had invited him to dinner.

[OUNT LUCANOR, when conversing
one day with his counsellor Patronio,
said, "A man came to me, proposing
to carry out my views in a matter in
which I am much interested, but .the offer was made

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i6o

Count Lucanor.

with so little apparent eagerness that I am inclined
to think he would be glad not to be taken at his
word ; and although I am anxious to avail myself of
it, I am yet disinclined to accept a service so coldly
offered. What do you think ? Pray give me your
opinion."

"Then allow me, my lord/' said Patronio, "to
narrate to you what happened to a man who had
been invited to dine with his friend.

" My lord, a man who had been very rich became
so reduced that he was often in want of the neces-
saries of life, which, however, he was too proud
to solicit, preferring to suffer the pangs of hunger to
the shame of begging his bread. One day, however,
when very sorely pressed by hunger, having fasted
very long, he happened to pass the gate of an old
friend, who was at dinner, and who, seeing him go
by, invited him, but very coldly, to partake of his
repast. The hungry man immediately accepted
the invitation, washed his hands, and sat down to
table, saying, ' Thanks, my friend ; you have invited
me in a lucky moment, and so generously that I
think it unbecoming to refuse you.'

"As the hungry man gained strength from the
repast he gradually lost the feeling of shame, and
God enlightened him as to the manner of freeing
him from his misery.

" And you, Count Lucanor, will now understand
how, as the offer is made and the service required,
you should accept your friend's proffered assistance

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As the hungry man gained strength from the repast, he gradually lost
the feeling of shame."

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The Owls and the Crows.

without hesitation, as it is always better to accept a
favour if offered, than to ask one."

And the Count, following this good advice^
profited thereby.

And Don Juan, liking the moral, composed
these lines, to be written with it in this book,
saying :— •

If thou have need, be not too nice ;
Nor wait for friends to ask th$e twice.

CHAPTER XXXIV.

What happened to the Owls and the Crows.

OUNT LUCANOR, conversing at another
time with Patronio, said, "There is a
man of considerable influence with
whom I am at variance. This man had
living with him a relation and his servant, to whom
he was very kind. Lately some difference has
arisen between this master and his servant; and
the latter, considering himself ill-used, came to me,
offering his services in my interests, if I would show
him how he could be revenged. Having great
confidence in your advice, 1 wish you to tell me
how to act"

"In the first place/' replied Patronio, "believe

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Count Lucanor.

me, this man seeks only to deceive you ; and in
order that you may better understand how, I will
tell you what happened to the owls and the crows."

The Count begged him to do so, when Patronio,
continuing, said, " My lord, the crows and the owls
had a great contention, but the crows had the worst
of it ; for the owls, whose custom it is to rove about
at night, and hide themselves in eaves during the
day, which made it difficult to find them, came in
the night to the trees where the crows lodged, killing
many of them and doing much injury.

"Suffering so much in this way, they consulted
an old crow who was very knowing, relating to him
the injurious treatment they received from the owls,
their enemies.

"He suggested to them this plan of revenge:
that they should pluck out of him all his feathers,
leaving only a few in his wings to enable him to fly
a little. In this sad state he went to show himself
to the owls, telling them that the crows had thus
cruelly treated him, merely because he wished to
make peace between them, and offered to show them
how they could be revenged on the crows.

" When the owls heard this they were much
pleased, and showed him much endearment, telling
him all their secrets and intentions. There was one
aged owl, however, who did not partake in the
general feeling. Seeing the deceitful intentions of
the crow, he told his companions not to trust him, as
he only sought to discover their secrets, and advised

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The Crow's Revenge. i5j

them to turn him out of their society. But the
owls, not putting faith in his advice, he left thenij
and sought for himself another hiding-place, where
they could not find him.

"Thus the crow continued to live in confidence
with the owls until his feathers were sufficiently
grown to enable him to take a long flight. It was
then he told the owls he wished to go and see where
the crows were, in ofcler that they might go with
him and exterminate them. But he never returned
until accompanied by all the other crows, whom he
had informed of all the projects and hiding-places of
the owls.

" In this way, the owls being attacked unpre-
pared, and in the daylight, became easy victims to
the vengeance of the crows ; all through an unwise
confidence in a natural enemy.

" And you, Count Lucanor, must know well that
this man, being connected with the household of your
enemy, will be naturally interested in its welfare
I would advise you to place no confidence in him, and
if you do employ him, let it be only where no trust
is required ; for, be assured, he will deceive you
and play you false the first opportunity favourable
to his own interest, and so his proposed treachery to
his present master will be turned against you."

The Count followed this advice, which was sue-*
cessful; and Don Juan, approving of it, had it
written in this book, and composed the following
lines : —

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154

Count Lucanor.

If thou wouldst live securely to the end, *
Distrust a foe who would become a friend.

NOTES.

This example appears also to have had an Indian origin. It
is found in the third chapter of "Pantcha Tantra," under the
title of " Kakoloukika," or "The War between the Crows
and the Owls." Loiseleur des Longchamps, in his essay on
Indian fables, gives the following analysis of this tale : —
"The moral of this story is to show the danger of trusting to
strangers or enemies who come under the mask of friendship.
The king of the crows, jealous of the king of the owls, forms
the project of destroying his enemies, and to succeed more
securely therein, charges one of his ministers to introduce him-
self among the owls. He succeeds in his project by a ruse
which recalls the history of Zopyrus. Stripped of his plumes
and covered with blood, he is found, lying at the foot of a tree r
by the owls, who take him to their king. The new-comer
gains the confidence of the king of the owls, against the advice
of his ministers. He betrays their confidence and shows
the crows how they can destroy their enemies who are suf-
focated in the eaves which serve them as a hiding-place."

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i6 S

CHAPTER XXXV.

The advice which Patronio gave to Count Lucanor,
when he said he wished to enjoy himself J illustrated
by the example of that which happened to the
Ants.

OUNT LUCANOR, speaking one day
with Patronio, said to him, "Thanks
be to God, my friend, I am now rich
enough, and am advised by my friends
to give myself no more anxiety about the concerns
of this world, but, as I am in a position to do so,
to eat, drink, and enjoy myself ; which I can do
without infringing on the interests of my children
Having a high opinion of your judgment, I would
first seek your advice before acting."

u My lord," said Patronio, " although it is pleasant
enough to live for one's own enjoyment, yet it is first
advisable that you should hear what the ants did for
their own support."

" Willingly," said the Count.
"My lord, seeing what a little thing the ant is,
you might be led to suppose it is possessed of little un-
derstanding ; but remark, how in the harvest season
they quit their ant-hills, go to the fields, and return
laden with as much corn as they are able to carry,

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Count Lucanor.

which they deposit in their granaries, to be taken out
when the first rain falls. It is supposed they do this
to dry it, but that is not the case, as the ants also
take the corn out at the beginning of winter, when
tnere is little or no sun to dry it. But were they to
take it out every time it rained their labour would
be incessant. The reason why they bring out their
corn after the first rain is that they find it begin to
grow, when it would take up so much room in their
granaries that, instead of supporting, it would suffo-
cate them. So they eat the dry grain, leaving the
other to ferment outside ; and, knowing that this fer-
mentation lasts only a short time, they have no fear
in doing so of losing their provisions. Nevertheless,
during all this time, they do not cease adding to
their stores, either from a dislike to idleness, or an
unwillingness to despise the gifts of Providence.

" And how can you, Count Lucanor — seeing the
prudent foresight and economy displayed by the little
ant, in providing for his own wants — charged, as you
are, with the care of a large property, and respon-
sible for the well-being of so many of your fellow-
creatures, think only of living in idleness and ease,
which shows a littleness of spirit; forgetting also,
that by constant expenditure, with no regard to the
augmentation of your means, you must ultimately
bring yourself to ruin ? My advice to you is, enjoy
yourself as much as you like, but do not do so at the
expense of your honour and fortune. Be you ever
so rich, you will never lack occasions to increase the

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The Ant's Providence. 167

lustre of your name and enhance the happiness of
your fellow-men."

The Count was much pleased with the advice
given by Patronio, and acted upon it.

And as Don Juan found this also a good example,
he ordered it to be written in this book, with these
lines : —

Let not thy lavish hand expend thy hard-earned gains,
Live so that honour'd life and death reward thy pains.

NOTES.

The advice which Don Manuel gives us in his fable, when
he introduces the ants, is more noble than that of La Fontaine, in
whose fables we find three examples where the ant is introduced.
The one most resembling Don Manuel's is "The Ant and the
Grasshopper," indeed this is an exact transcript in verse of iEsop's
fable bearing the same name, both inculcating industry, and re*
proving a life of sensuality and pleasure.

The industry and foresight of the ant have been alluded to by the
great Eastern philosopher in the following well-known passage :—
" Go to the ant, thou sluggard ; consider her ways, and be wise.
Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, proyideth her meat in
the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest" — Proverbs of
Solomon vi. 6-8.

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Count Lucanor.

CHAPTER XXXVI.

Of that which happened to a good Man and his Son,
who boasted of having many Friends.

PEAKING again, on another occasion,
Count Lucanor said to Patronio, "I
have, as you know, many friends.
Well, they give me to understand that
they are all most sincerely devoted to my interests,
and that, happen what may, nothing shall induce
them to desert me. Now tell me, I pray you, what
is your opinion as to how far 1 may depend upon
their sincerity and trust them ? "

" My lord," said Patronio, " good friends are the
best things this world has to give. I always, how-
ever, feel some doubt of the sincerity of him whp
makes great professions, and wait for an opportunity
to prove the value of his declarations. But that you
may know how to judge a real friend, hear, I pray
you, what happened to a good man and his son, who
told him he had many friends."
"Willingly," said the Count.
"My lord, a good man had a son, whom he
advised, among other things, to always endeavour
to make many good friends.

"In compliance with this advice, he liberally

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But in this case they were afraid to venture. "

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A Test of Friendship. 169

dispensed his goods amongst many men, with the
view of cultivating their friendship, and these vowed
to him their readiness to risk their souls and bodies
in his service.

" One day the father inquired of the son how he
progressed in the cultivation of his friendships.

"'I have many friends/ replied the son, 'and
amongst them 1 am certain of ten who would lay
down their lives in my service, and who now only
want an opportunity to prove their sincerity.'

"The father marvelled much at this, and could
not conceive how his son, in so short a time, had
made so many and such friends ; for, in the course
of his long life, he had never been able to make more
than one friend and a half.

"The son did not like his father's questioning
the truth of his statement, and insisted that what he
said was true.

"'Try them, then/ said the father, 'and in this
manner. Kill a pig and put it into a sack, and carry
it to the house of one of these friends, telling him it
is a man you have slain, that you are in great dread
of its being discovered, and, as it is quite certain that
neither you nor those in any way cognisant of the
fact can escape the death which awaits such a deed,
beseech him, as a friend, to conceal the bad action,
and, if need be, to help you in your defence/

" In this way the son did as the father suggested,
visiting each friend in turn. All alike told him that,
under any other circumstances, they were willing to

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170 Count Lucanor.

make any sacrifice for him, but in this ca9e they
were afraid to venture, and besought him for the
love of God to tell no one he had been to their house.
Some went so far as to tell him they should never
help him more, but they would pray for him ; others
said they would not forsake him on the scaffold, and
would procure him honourable burial.

"When the young man had thus proved his
friends, and could find none to assist him, he
returned to his father and told him what had
happened.

" 1 You now see/ said the father, ' that those who
have lived longest know best how difficult it is to
procure a sincere friend. As I said to you before, I
have only one friend and a half; go, try this
last/

u The young man did so. Arriving at the house
of this half-friend late at night, carrying the dead
pig on his shoulders, he knocked at the door, and
told him of his misfortunes, and how he had been
treated by his friends, begging of him for the love he
bore his father to help him.

" The half-friend told him that, although between
them there existed neither love nor friendship, yet,
for his father's sake he would conceal him. He then
took the sack carefully from the shoulders of the
son, thinking it contained a dead man, and conveyed
it into his garden, where he buried it amongst the
cabbages, carefully arranging them afterwards, and
then sent away the young man contented.

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A True Friend. 171

"When this latter came home to his father, he
related all that had happened.

" ' So far good/ said the father ; 1 now when next
you meet this man dispute with him so as to lead to
a quarrel, then strike him a blow on the face.'

" This the young man did ; and when he had
struck the blow, the half-friend said, ' My son, you
act badly ; nevertheless, I shall never reveal the
secret which is between us.'

"And when the young man told this to his
father he sent him to try his other friend. When
he arrived at the house of his friend, and had told
him, as before, all that had happened, he promised
to guard him from death and danger.

" Now it came to pass that about this time a man
had in reality been killed in the city, but no one
knew by whom, and as the young man had been
noticed going about ^t night, carrying a loaded
sack, he was immediately suspected, judged, and
sentenced to death. The friend of his father, seeing
no possibility of his escape, determined to sacrifice
his own son in the stead of his friend's, and went
to the judge, saying he knew the prisoner was not
guilty, as it was his own and only son who com-
mitted the deed — the son acknowledging what the
father had said, and thus, by his own death, saving
the life of the son of his father's friend.

" And now, Count Lucanor, having told you how
friends are proved, I hold this for a good example to
find out who are indeed your friends, and how to

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172

Count Lucanor.

know if they will risk danger in your defence. There
may be many good friends, but there are many who
cannot be depended upon in adversity, for friends
too often only grow with good fortune.

" Again, this example may be taken in a spiritual
sense, in this manner : — although men may think
they have many friends, yet, when on the point of
death they are often destined to see the vanity of
worldly friendship in the professions of friends, who
say that they are willing but cannot help them ; and
of the clergy, who can only say they will pray to
God for them. The wife and children may express
their readiness to go with them to the tomb, or
promise a sumptuous interment ; nevertheless, none
aid them to escape death, as did the son of the
good man, who gave his life to save his friend.
The dying man finds he must turn to God as his
only resource.

" Now the sinner, seeing he cannot escape the
death of his soul, unless he turns to God, who — like
a merciful Father and true Friend, remembering the
love which He bears to man, the work of His hands
— like the good friend, sent His own Son, Christ
Jesus, to suffer and die, He being innocent, to
redeem sinful man. So did Jesus, like an obedient
son, do His Father's will. He, being true God and
true Man, sought and suffered death, and redeemed
sinners by His blood.

"And now, Count Lucanor, it is desirable that
you reflect and find out which of these friends is

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The Best Friend.

173

oest and truest, and whose friendship is most worthy
of confidence."

The Count was much moved by this exhortation,
and acted with advantage upon its suggestions.

And Don Juan, liking so good an example, caused
it to be written in this book, and composed the
following lines : —

Never can man find out a friend so good

As God, who sought to save him by His blood.

NOTES.

This graphically written tale, which is intended to show the
difficulty of acquiring a true friend, is of early date, its invention
not being due to Don Manuel. There is but little .doubt of its
being of Arabic or eastern origin. We first find it in a work
entitled, " Disciplina Clericalis," written by Pedro Alfonso, who
originally was a converted Jewish rabbi named Moses Sephardi,
born in the year 1062, at Hue sea, in the kingdom of Arragon.
He was a man of much learning ; and at the age of forty-four
embraced Christianity, when he was appointed by Alphonso XV.,
king of Castile and Leon, physician to his palace. The tale
alluded to in this work is the " Lesson given by a Father to
his Son," and commences, "Arabs moriturus," — "An Arab dying."
We find some of the fables from this " Disciplina Clericalis" in
the " Arabian Nights ; " indeed, this narrative, in various forms,
has been translated into all languages. The French have many
versions of this tale ; it has been published in Germany, in the
11 Imitations of Oriental Tales," by Herder; and we see it in
Boccaccio, the tenth day, eighth novel.

The scarcity of true friends, a truth so generally accepted, is
noticed in an old collection of Greek fables, where a friend of
Socrates remonstrating with him for building so small a house,

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174 Count Lucanor.

the philosopher replied that, " Little as it is, he were a happy man
that had but true friends enough to fill it." The allusions made
by our English writers to pretended friendships are too well
known to render any mention of them necessary, yet I cannot
but remark that it forms the subject of one of Gay's best fables,
u The Hare with many Friends."

CHAPTER XXXVII.

Relates to what happened to the Lion and the BulL

T another time, when Count Lucanor was
conversing with Patronio, he said to
him, " Patronio, I have a very powerful
and honourable friend, of whom, up to
this time, I have never had occasion to complain ;
but now, from various circumstances which have
occurred, it is clear to me that he is not so well-
disposed towards me as before, and he appears to
be seeking for an opportunity to quarrel with me,
from whence I see two causes of uneasiness : the
one is, that if he openly declares himself my enemy
it will cause me serious injury ; the other is, if he
suspects that I mistrust him he will in turn lose
confidence in me, and thus, this feeling increasing by
degrees, will bring about an open rupture. Knowing

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The Lion and the Bull. 175

your great prudence and foresight, I beg of you to
advise me how to act under these circumstances."

" My lord," said Patronio, " that you -know how
to protect yourself I have no doubt ; I shall tell you,
however, what happened to the lion and the bull, to
illustrate your present situation.

" The lion and the bull were very great friends ;
being both powerful and strong they lorded it over
all the other animals ; so the lion, with the help of
the bull, drove off all carnivorous animals, and the
bull, with the aid of the lion, drove away all other
animals that ate grass.

" The animals, seeing how the combined influence
of the lion and the bull caused them so much injury,
consulted together how best to free themselves
from this strait. With that view they resolved to
cause, if possible, some ill-feeling or want of trust
between them; and, knowing that the fox and the
sheep were most in the confidence of their enemies,
desired to bring them over to their cause, succeeding
in which, the fox, who was the lion's counsellor,
commenced by telling the bear that he was the
strongest of all the carnivorous animals after the lion,
and induced him to insinuate to the lion that the
bull was playing him false, assuring him that he had
spoken something unfavourable of him some few
days since. The sheep also, who was the adviser
of the bull, induced the horse, the most powerful of
all graminivorous animals after the bull, to cause
the bull to doubt the friendship of the lion.

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Count Lucanor.

"Now neither the bull nor the lion believed
exactly what the bear and the horse had told them,
although they were ranked next to themselves, yet
the mutual confidence which previously existed was
shaken, they became more distant, trusting more
to their respective counsellors ; which the other
animals seeing, spoke out more boldly, and said the
lion and the bull were jealous of each other, and felt
in their hearts unfriendly.

"Now the fox and the sheep, thinking only of
their own interests and future safety, took no trouble
to undeceive their lords, so that the love and friend-
ship which previously existed between them turned
to distrust and hatred. The other animals, seeing
this, united together to increase the ill-feeling which
now existed between the lion and the bull. The
result in the end was, that they found themselves
deprived of the power which they enjoyed when
united, and were subjected to the insults of the
combined animals, who, now acting together, would
not allow themselves to be again subjected to the
dominion of their former lords, who found out, but
too late, that they were the victims of calumny.

"And you, my lord, take care, that those who
would create in your mind suspicions against your
friends do not lead you into trouble, as did the
animals the lion and the bull. Now I would advise
you, if you have always found your friend loyal and
true, to trust in him as you would in a good son or
brother. Shut your eyes to trifling circumstances,

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Slander.

177

for, be assured, if he intends doing you a serious
injury, you will always see some indications of it
beforehand. If your friend be merely a time-
server, carefully avoid giving him cause to believe
that you suspect him ; but, if once you find that
his dishonourable intentions admit of no doubt, then,
instead of quarrelling with him, endeavour first to
persuade him not to desert you and forfeit your
friendship — endeavour to convince him that mutual
harmony is essential to the well-being of both. By
these means, and by not allowing yourself to be led
away by false representations, you will avoid falling
into the error of the lion and the bull"

The Count was well pleased with what Patronio
had related. And Don Juan, approving of this
example, caused it to be inscribed in this book, and
composed the following lines : —

To lying slanders ne'er attend
Against a tried and proven friend.

NOTES.

This apologue, like many others written at the same period,
has not only a general but also a political moral. It warns us
against losing our friends by the misrepresentations of others,
as also it cautions those in power against that treason and
perfidy which would divide them from their allies and most
sincere dependants.

"This tale is very ancient ; it is found in the Sanscrit work
"Pantcha Tantra," the first chapter of which is entitled
" Mitra-Bheda," or "The Rupture of Friendship." The

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I7»

Count Lucanor.

personages of this Indian apologue figure as the king lion,
Pingalaca; the bull and his friend, Sandjivaca. The confi-
dants of the lion and the bull are two jackals, named Carataca
a,nd Damanaca. In this case, the two jackals, jealous of the
friendship existing between the lion and the bull, unite, and, by
misrepresentations, endeavour to destroy this amity. Differing
from Don Manuel's tale, this results only in the death of the
favourite by his master.

CHAPTER XXXVIII.

Relates to the advice which Patronio gave to Count
Lucanor, when he expressed a desire to obtain a
good reputation; and the example was what
happened to a Philosopher who was suffering from
a severe illness.

ATRONIO," said Count Lucanor, " the
thing a man should most desire to
acquire in this world is a good repu-
tation, and, having gained it, to be
ever watchful, lest it be sullied by any act of his
own or others* As I know that no one can counsel
me better than you, I beg of you to advise how best
to increase and guard my good name."

"My lord," said Patronio, "it will afford me
great pleasure to give you my opinion, and illustrate
it by what happened to an aged philosopher."

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The Philosopher Astray. 179

The Count expressing a desire to know what
that was, Patronio commenced by saying, "A well-
known philosopher lived once in a town in the
kingdom of Morocco, who suffered from an ailment
affecting his sight. His physicians forbade his leav-
ing the house, and ordered him not to expose his
eyes too much to the light.

" One day, however, thinking his sight sufficiently
restored, he ventured to walk alone into the town,
where he had many disciples, but the glare of day
so increased his defect of vision that he accidentally
strayed into a narrow street close at hand, and which
happened to be one inhabited by most disreputable
characters, of which fact he was not aware; but,
being seen issuing therefrom by some of his friends
and disciples, he was immediately suspected of having
belied in a moment all his former virtuous life and
professions.

" So it is that men occupying certain positions are
judged without pity, their slightest failings being
criticised ; whilst others, whose position calls for but
little attention, appear to escape notice, although
guilty of much greater errors. So it was with the
philosopher, against whom a general outcry was
raised. When he arrived at his house, he was
waited upon by many of his disciples, who, in great
grief demanded why he should have so sacrificed his
former reputation, bringing scandal on himself and
them likewise.

"When the philosopher heard this he was

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i8o

Count Lucanor.

astounded, and demanded to know what evil he
had done, and where.

"They replied that he had been publicly seen
to leave the street occupied only by disreputable
people.

"When the philosopher heard this he was in
great trouble, and said to his disciples, ' Do not be
uneasy; I will give you an answer in eight days.'
And, shutting himself up in his study, he composed
a very good and useful little book, in the form of
questions and answers between him and two of his
disciples, on good and bad fortune. ' My sons/ said
he, ' good fortune often comes to us unsought as well
as sought, and, unfortunately, the world is too apt to
judge from the result of an action, being unconscious
of the motive which guided it ; so also we find
men without ability or energy blessed by good for-
tune undeserved; whilst others, more really meri-
torious, meet only with misfortune. Again, disasters
are not always of our own seeking, as a man
may, in the street, unintentionally have his head
broken by a stone thrown at a bird : this accident is
not of his own seeking, but the result of ill chance.
Know, my sons, both in good and ill fortune two
things are necessary; the one is, that we should
thank God for the good we have received and the
evil we have been enabled to avoid, the other is that
rarely or never does any good action pass without
its reward, as evil deeds also bear their penalty.
Again, we should ever pr^y to God to deliver us

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Judging by Appearances. 181

from evil and false judgment, as happened to me the
other day, when, through the infirmity of a bodily
ailment, I, without harm in thought or deed, un-
knowingly entered a street of ill fame, and thereby
forfeited my good reputation.'

"And you, Count Lucanor, in order to increase
and perpetuate your reputation, three things are
essential ; firstly, let your good actions be done solely
with the motive of pleasing God, regardless of the
opinion of mankind, keeping unsullied your honour
and position, seeking not fame undeserved by good
works ; secondly, pray to God to strengthen you,
and inspire you to perform such good actions and
from a motive so pure as will even gain for you the
esteem of all good men ; thirdly, never by word or
deed, give cause for a shadow of suspicion to rest on
you, as the world is too apt to misconstrue and mis-
judge the best intentions. Still, ever remember that
the only infallible judge of your actions is God and
your own conscience."

The Count thought this good advice, and prayed
to God to help him so to act as to save his soul and
increase his honour.

. And Don Juan, finding it a good example, had
it written in this book, and made the following
lines : —

Let all thy acts be clear of blame.
That slander breathe not on thy fame.

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1 82 Count Lucanor.

CHAPTER XXXIX.

Of what happened to a man who was made Governor
of a large territory.

OUNT LUCANOR, speaking another
time with Patronio, said, " Patronio,
many tell me that, being very powerful

and much honoured, there now only
remains for me one thing which is most essential,
and that is to acquire riches. And, as I know that
you have always advised me for the best, and that
you will still continue to do so, I beg of you to tell
me what is most incumbent on me."

" My lord," said Patronio, " the advice which you
require of me demands grave consideration, for
two reasons. Firstly, that my ideas may be appa-
rently contrary to your interest ; and, secondly, it is
difficult for me to give advice having the semblance
of indifference. Nevertheless, as all loyal advice is
meant only to benefit those to whom it is given, I
will tell you honestly and without flattery what I
think, seeking only your well-being. Now there is
much truth and much falsehood in what has been
told you ; to convince you of which I have only to
relate what happened to a man who had been made
governor of a large territory."

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Short Life and Merry. 183

The Count asked him what that was.

" My lord," replied Patronio, " it was customary
in a certain territory to elect every year a governor,
who, during the twelve months that his command
lasted, was implicitly obeyed, and treated with all
due reverence ; but, at the expiration of the year,
he was deprived of his command, position, and
everything, even to his clothes, and left to perish in
a desolate island. It once happened that a man
who was so appointed, having more foresight and a
clearer understanding, and knowing that they would
treat him in the same manner as his predecessors,
prepared beforehand for what he knew would
inevitably happen. During the year of his supreme
command, he ordered a house to be secretly built on
the island where he knew he was to be placed, and
had it furnished and provisioned so as to leave him
in no want of the comforts and necessaries of life,
and arranged with his friends and relations that they
should send him anything he might have forgotten.
When the year of his command was completed and
he was left, like the previous governors, naked to
perish on the island, he quietly sought his secret
abode, where he lived to enjoy the advantage of hU
precautions.

"And you, Count Lucanor, if you wish to be
well-advised, remember that you are not destined to
live here for ever ; the day will assuredly arrive
when you must leave this world naked as you came
into it, taking nothing with you ; all that remains to

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J 84 Count Lucanor.

you are the good or bad deeds you may have
performed. Take care, therefore, so to act as to
procure for your soul a happy abode in the kingdom
where life is counted not by years, but is everlasting ;
remembering that your soul is not mortal, and can
never perish, and that your good or evil actions in
this world will be rewarded or punished in the next
according to their deserts. I advise you, therefore,
never to forget that power, honour, and riches are
perishable, and how unwise it is to sacrifice to them
the certainty of eternal life. And again, seek not to
exalt yourself by publishing your good works before
men. At the same time, let your actions be such as
to deserve the prayers of your friends, when you
are no longer able to intercede for yourself* Yet,
when you have duly provided for the future happi-
ness of your soul, when your duties here on earth
are accomplished, you may look for the promotion
of your honour and prosperity in this world."

And the Count, finding this very good advice,
prayed to God to help him to put it into practice.

And Don Juan, approving of it also, caused it to
be inscribed in this book, and composed the follow-
ing verses : —

In quest of this world's fleeting pleasure,
Lose not the more enduring treasure.

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Good and Evil.

NOTES.

We find in the ** Imitations of Oriental Tales," by Herder,
a similar story to the above, called, "The Desert Island," but
the religious allegory is not reproduced in the German work.
This beautiful production remains a monument to the Spanish
moralist who has succeeded in raising this fable and some others
to the rank of an evangelical parable.

Herder's version of "The Cid, ,r which was long a bone of
contention among critics — some saying he had naturalised these
grand old ballads into German, others that he had distorted and
disfigured them — has lately been discovered to be a literal trans-
lation of a French prose version.

CHAPTER XL,

Of that which happened to Good and Evil, illustrated
by what occurred to a Man with a Madman.

|NE day Count Lucanor said to Patronio,
" I happen to have two neighbours ; one
is a man whom I love very much, and
with whom I have much sympathy ;
nevertheless, he does things at times which cause
me much annoyance. Now, with the other man, I
have no friendship, although I have often occasion
to be grateful to him. This latter also at times, by
his proceedings, gives me some trouble. Now, will
you advise me, with your usual good gense, how to
manage these two men ? 99

" Count Lucanor," said Patronio, " wha£ you tell

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Count Lucanor.

me is not one thing alone, but two things — one
being very distinct from the other ; and I will,
with your permission, exemplify to you, by two
narratives, how you should act under these cir-
cumstances."

The Count agreeing to this, Patronio said as
follows : —

"Good and Evil agreed once to live together,
and Evil, who was soon found to be cunning
and rebellious, always seeking some deception or
mischief, proposed to Good to purchase a flock of
sheep wherewith to maintain themselves. Good,
being naturally peaceable and accommodating, agreed.
When the sheep had brought forth their young, Evil
proposed to Good to shear them ; to this, the latter,
not agreeing, requested Evil to act upon his own
responsibility. Now, as Evil is always ill-disposed
and seeking mischief, this sanction pleased him very
much, so he proposed to Good to retain for his
share the young lambkins and rear them, whilst he,
Evil, would reserve for himself the milk and the
wool of the sheep. To this Good assented without
complaining. Evil now proposed that they should
rear pigs. To this Good agreed as before. This
time Evil, pretending to great ideas of justice,
proposed that as Good had on a former occasion
taken the young lambkins, and he, Evil, the wool
and milk of the sheep, they should this time reverse
it, he now taking the little pigs, and Good the milk
and wool.

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Evil's Better Half.

i8 7

"Again, Evil proposed that they should have a
kitchen-garden, in which they cultivated turnips;
when these had come to perfection, Evil said to
Good, as it was difficult to judge the value of what
could not be seen, that Good should take the leaves
and he would be contented with what was buried
in the earth ; and so he did. Again, they planted
cabbages, and, when these had grown, Evil said to
Good that in justice Good should take this time
what was under the earth, and he would take what
appeared above it.

" Now Evil thought it would be convenient to
have a woman for their household service, and,
Good agreeing with him, Evil proposed that Good
should have for his share of the servant from the
waist upwards, that being the superior and most
useful part of the body, whilst he, Evil, would con-
tent himself with the inferior half, or, from the
waist downwards. Good, who desired nothing
better than the help of two strong arms for the
work of the house, was perfectly satisfied with this
arrangement, but, as the woman thus became the
wife of Evil, she had a son. Now, when she wished
to nourish her child, Good resolutely opposed her
doing so, saying, that the milk belonged to him.

"When Evil found he had a son he was much
pleased, but, on hearing the child cry very much,
inquired of the woman why it was so uneasy. To
which she replied that it was for want of nourish-
ment; and, hearing this, Evil told her to give the

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Count Lucanor.

child the food it required. But she said to him
that Good had strictly forbidden her to do sd, as
the milk belonged to him, it being his share.

u Now Evil went to Good and told him he should
insist on having the milk given to his son. To
which Good simply replied that, as the milk be-
longed to his share, he would never consent.

" Hearing this, Evil became incensed, and Good,
seeing him in this great strait, quietly answered,
' My friend, surely you did not believe me so foolish
as not to have seen how cunningly and for your
own exclusive interest you have heretofore divided
matters between us. You never considered my
wants or necessities, so you should not now feel
any surprise that when you require my assistance
I am unwilling to grant it. This will serve tp
remind you of all you made me suffer.'

" Now, whether it was that Evil felt the truth
of what Good had said, or that he feared to lose
his son through hunger, he prayed of Good that,
for the love of God, he would take compassion on
the innocent child, and not condemn him to suffer
thus for his father's faults, promising that hence-
forward he would always do all Good should require
of him ; and Good, hearing this, praised God, who
in His mercy had thus permitted him to bring good
out of evil, and replied to Evil that he would agree
to the woman's nourishing the child, on condition
that the father should take the child in his arms*
and go through the streets of the city, and prpctew

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" He suddenly upset the pail of water over his head."

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The Madman and th£ Bath. 189

aloud that Good had conquered Evil without depart-
ing from the paths of virtue.

" To this Evil consented, too glad, at any sacri-
fice, to be able to save the life of his son; and
hence we know that good has ever conquered evil
with good.

"But it happened otherwise with the good man
and the madman. Now it chanced that a good
man kept some baths, and a neighbour, a madman,
was the first to come daily to this bath ; afterwards
awaiting the arrival of the people to bathe, he com-
menced, as soon as he saw them, to beat them with
sticks or throw stones at them, so that the pro-
prietor of the baths soon lost all his customers.
The good man, seeing this, determined to rise very
early one day, undressed himself, and went into the
bath before the madman arrived, having at hand a
pail full of very hot water and a wooden club.
When the madman came to the bath, determined,
as usual, to attack all who came in his way, the
good man, seeing him enter, allowed him to ap-
proach, when he suddenly upset the pail of hot
water over his head, attacking him at the same time
with the club. The madman now gave himself up
for dead ; nevertheless, he managed to escape, and,
running away, he told everyone he met to be care-
ful, for there was a madman in the bath.

"And you, Count Lucanor, since chance has
given you two neighbours who may occasionally
abuse your friendship, yet be friendly with them;

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Count Lucanor.

heed not their small faults, and give them to under-
stand you seek not revenge, but desire to act kindly
towards them, helping them in their necessities,
showing them that, though you need not their good
services, yet you desire their friendship and esteem,
not as an obligation but through good will."

The Count, liking this advice, followed it with
success. And Don Juan, taking this to be a good
example, ordered it to be written in this book, and
composed the following lines: —

The evil man must be withstood,
Till evil be o'ercome with good.

NOTE.

Don Manuel, in illustrating, as we see in this apologue, that
good arises out of evil, had a more enlightened and philosophical
view of the subject than he was probably aware of.

In this chapter we have two examples, but La Fontaine, who
was only acquainted with the first part, as he found it in Rabelais,
has made the former the subject of one of his least commendable
tales. Had he been able to read Don Manuel's apologue in its
integrity, he would doubtless have constructed from it a fable
more edifying.

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191

CHAPTER XLI.

Of the association between Truth and Falsehood.

OUNT LUCANOR, speaking with Patro-
nio, said to him as follows : —

" Know, Patronio, that I am in
great trouble and confusion, in conse-
quence of some men who, having no regard for me,
take every opportunity, by treachery and lying, to
injure my reputation, never failing, at the same time,
to turn these lies to their own advantage. It is true
I could retaliate upon them in the same manner, but
I have such a hatred of deception and lying that I
cannot allow myself to adopt the same line of con-
duct, I beg, therefore, you will advise me how best
to deal with these men."

" Count Lucanor," said Patronio, " Falsehood and
Truth once entered into an agreement to keep com-
pany together. After a time Falsehood proposed to
Truth that they should plant a tree, so that when it
was very hot they might enjoy the shade thereof, to
which Truth, being always straightforward, agreed.
As soon as the tree had taken root and begun to
show signs of life, Falsehood proposed to Truth that,
to avoid disputation each should take a portion of

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192 Count Lucanor.

the tree as his own ; Falsehood at the same time,
suggesting that Truth should take the root, giving as
a reason with much colouring and argument, that
it was the most desirable part ; ' For,' said he, ' it
is well protected by the earth, while the part out
of the ground is liable to be damaged and even
destroyed by evil-disposed men cutting it down, to
be gnawed by beasts, or injured by birds with their
claws and beaks ; the great heat may dry it up, or
the frost destroy it, but from all .these dangers the
root is protected.'

"When Truth heard all these reasons, being con-
fiding by nature, and believing all she heard to be
true, she accepted the offer made by Falsehood,
thanking him for his consideration.

" Falsehood was greatly pleased at the success of
his deception and coloured representations.

" Truth, having accepted the root of the tree as
her portion, had to reside there, under the earth ;
while Falsehood remained above, taking up his abode
amongst men and things, where he prospered.

"The tree began to grow, throwing out branches
well covered with leaves and flowers of brilliant and
attractive colours, giving altogether a most delightful
shade and protection from the heat. When the
people saw this they sought the shade of the tree of
Falsehood, so that it became the resort of all the idle
and others from the villages round, who sought its
protection, and were there taught by Falsehood the
art of deception and untruthfulness. In this manner.

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The Tree of Falsehood. 193

he taught some the art of telling the lie simple, as
making promises, saying, ' Dear sir, I will do so and
so, never intending, at the same time, to do it. To
others, the lie double, as swearing homage and pro-
mise of service, knowing at the time that they are
uttering a falsehood, and practising deception. Also
the lie malicious, which is the most fatal of all, as it
is falsehood and deceit under the colour of truth. In
this art Falsehood was very learned, and so skilfully
did he convey his instruction to all those who took
shelter under his tree, that there was scarcely a man
who was not an adept in this art; so attractive,
indeed, was this to the people, either from the beauty
of the tree or the protection which it afforded, that
nearly every one became subservient to this master,
so that, in the end, people who were really honest
scarcely dared to speak the truth or esteem themselves.

" Now Falsehood, finding himself so flattered and
honoured, began to despise Truth, who still remained
hidden under the earth, so that no man living knew
where to find her, or thought of seeking for her.

" Truth, finding in the end that she had nothing
but the roots of the tree apportioned to her by
Falsehood, began gnawing and tearing them ; and
although the {ree had, as before mentioned, fine
branches, luxuriant foliage, and brilliant flowers —
affording a grateful shade, with every promise — still
it perished without bearing fruit, from Truth eating
the root thereof.

"One day, when Falsehood and his disciples

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194

Count Lucanor.

were quietly reposing beneath the shade of his
tree, a gust of wind blew it down, the root thereof
being destroyed, and, falling on Falsehood, it
seriously injured him, besides wounding many of
his companions. It was then that Truth issued
from her subterranean abode, and, standing by
the wreck of the fallen tree, proclaimed aloud how
all the treachery of Falsehood had only tended,
as they saw, to his own destruction.

"And you, Count Lucanor, observe well that
falsehood, like the tree, has wide-spreading branches,
with its flowers, representing its sayings, its thoughts,
its deceptive pleasures, enticing many under its
shade, waiting for the fruit which never comes to
perfection, and, if perchance it should, is never
enjoyed. Now, if your enemies make use of the
deceptive wisdom of falsehood, your only alter-
native is to be on your guard against them. Never
be led to be one of their companions in this art,
envy not their apparent success, which can only end
in disgrace and discomfort to themselves. Flatter-
ing as k may appear, it will end, like the tree of
falsehood, ;in the destruction of those who seek its
protection ; and, although truth may be despised and
hidden for a time, yet esteem her, and attach your-
self to her as the only good whereby you can succeed
in this world and obtain salvation and the grace of
God in the other.

Count Lucanor was much pleased with the advice
which Patronio gave him, and acted upon it.

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The Fox's Device.

195

Don Juan, liking the example, had it written in
this book, and made the following verses : —

Adhere to truth, from falsehood fly ;
For evil follows all who lie.

CHAPTER XLII.

Of what happened to a Fox who pretended
to be dead.

OUNT LUCANOR, upon another oc-
casion, sought the advice of Patronio,
informing him that he had a relation in
a distant land, whose possessions were
so very small that he could scarcely defend himself
against his more powerful neighbours, " who, feeling
their superiority, leave no means untried to vex and
annoy him ; and he is so wearied of this daily suffer
ing, that he is willing, at any cost, to free himself
therefrom. I, too, am anxious to see him at ease."

To which Patronio replied : " My lord, in order
that you may best know how to advise your relation
in this serious difficulty, allow me to relate to you
what happened to a fox who feigned death.

"A fox one night entered a hen-house, and, after
causing much destruction amongst the fowls, found,
when he was about to return to cover, that it was
already daylight and that the people were about

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196 Count Lucanor.

Seeing that he could no longer conceal himself, he
furtively went into the street, where he lay down;
feigning death.

"When the people saw him lying there ap-
parently dead they paid no attention to him, until a
man who passed shortly after, observing, as he
thought, a dead fox, remarked that hair from the
forehead of a fox was an excellent remedy against
convulsions in children. So, taking out his scissors
he clipped some hair from the forehead of the fox.
Others, passing by, had a notion that the fur from
the back and loins of a fox was good in some other
complaint, and so on, until they nearly deprived him
of all his fur. Still, the fox never moved, feeling
that his loss was comparatively trifling. Others
came, saying that the nails of a fox's foot were
an infallible remedy against sudden fear, and tore
them off. Still the fox gave no signs of life.
Another, believing a fox's tooth to be a cure for the
toothache, drew one of his teeth. At last a man
came, saying a fox's heart was infallible in heart
disease, and took out his knife to cut out the fox's
heart, which the animal perceiving, and knowing
that he should now lose his life if he delayed,
resolved, no matter at what risk, to endeavour to
6ave himself; and he succeeded and escaped.

" And you, Count Lucanor, will, by this example,
see how you should advise your friend not to heed
slight infringements, but to let them pass by unnoticed,
unless, indeed, his honour is impugned. A man

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Better Part of Valour. 197

need never blush at not bein£ as strong as his neigh-
bours, so long as he is contented. He only need
feel shame who knows not how to suffer or to resist ;
but, when there is real danger, then he should risk
everything in defence of his right and honour, for
this is of greater value than life itself."

And the Count approved of this advice. Don
Juan, also considering this a good example, desired
that it should be written in this book, and composed
the following verses : —

The ills that touch not life contented bear ;
Avoid the rest with utmost skill and care.

NOTES.

Don Manuel anticipated by some few years the archpriest of
Hita, in whose poems we find the above tale recited (see Sanchez,
** Poesias anteriores al Siglo, xv." 1795). The details, however,
differ from Don Manuel in some respects, insomuch as that it is a
cobbler who cuts off the tail of the fox to make a pair of soft
shoes, or some such thing. Then a surgeon takes away a part of
his jaw, as a cure for the toothache ; an old woman then deprives
him of an eye, to cure the pallor of young girls ; a doctor next
cuts off his ear, as a remedy for ear complaints. The fox, how-
ever, in the same manner as told by Don Manuel, preserves his
life by a resolute escape.

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198

Count Lucanor,

CHAPTER XLIII.

What happened to two blind Men travelling
together.

T another time when Count Lucanor
was conversing with his friend Pa-
onio, he said to him, " I have a rela-
tion in whom I have great confidence,
and I am certain that he is much attached to me.
Now he wishes me to undertake an expedition with
him. I am myself by no means desirous of joining
him, as I have doubts of its success ; but he assures
me I have nothing to fear, and that he would rather
suffer death than that I should receive any injury. I
beg, therefore, you will give me your opinion as to
my proceeding."

" My lord," said Patronio, " for this purpose it is
desirable you should hear what happened to two
blind men travelling together."

The Count desiring to know what that was,
Patronio continued as follows : —

" A blind man, who lived in a city, was, upon one
occasion, visited by a man likewise blind, who
proposed that they should both go to a neighbouring
town, and endeavour to maintain themselves by

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was not long after, they arrived at the dangerous part
of the road."

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The Two Bond Men. 199

charity, when the other remarked that the road was
so hilly and dangerous that he feared to go,

" ' But/ replied the other, ' have no fear, for I
will go with you and take care of you/ pointing out
to him, at the same time, so many advantages that
would accrue from going there, that he trusted in
his companion, and they both went.

" It was not long after they had arrived at the
dangerous part of the road, when the blind man
who led the way fell, bringing down with him his
companion who had feared to undertake the journey.

"And you, Count Lucanor, if your fears are well
founded, and the expedition is really dangerous, do
not allow your friend to persuade you to join in the
undertaking, for his dying for you would, under
misfortune, benefit you nothing."

The Count followed the advice with advantage,
and Don Juan, thinking well of the example, had it
written in this book, and composed the following
couplet to be placed at the end : —

Be not induced to take a false direction
By promises of safeguard or protection.

NOTES.

This narrative may be considered as founded on the wise
parable of Jesus, wherein He said to His disciples, " Can the
blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?
This same precaution to avoid being led physically by incapable,
or morally by designing persons, to the ruin of your estate here or
your salvation hereafter, has been proverbialized by all nations.

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too Count Lucanor.

CHAPTER XLIV.

Of what happened to a young Man on his
Wedding Day.

^NE day Count Lucanor was talking
to Patronio his counsellor, and said to
him, " Patronio, one of my dependants
tells me he can make a very advan-
tageous marriage with a woman much richer and
more honourable than himself ; but there is one dif-
ficulty in the way, which is this, he tells me he has
been informed that she is of a very violent and im-
petuous temper. Now I beg you to counsel me
whether I should allow him to marry this woman,
knowing such to be her disposition, or whether I
should forbid it."

"Count Lucanor," replied Patronio, "if the man
is like the son of a good man, a Moor, advise the
marriage by all means ; but if such be not the case,
forbid it."

The Count begged of him to relate the narra-
tive.

" There lived in a city," said Patronio, " a Moor
who was much respected, and who had a son, the most
promising youth in the world ; but, not being rich
enough to accomplish the great deeds which he felt

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An Undesirable Match. 201

in his heart equal to, he was greatly troubled, having
the will and not the power.

"Now in the same town there lived another
Moor, who held a higher position, and was very
much richer than his father, and who had an only
daughter, the very reverse in character and appear-
ance of the young man, she being of so very violent
a temper that no one could be found willing to
marry such a virago.

" One day the young man came to his father, and
said, 'You know that your means will not allow
you to put me in a position to live honourably/
adding that, as he desired to live an easy and quiet
life, he thought it better to seek to enrich himself
by an advantageous marriage, or to leave that part
of the country.

"The father told him that he would be very
happy if he could succeed in such a union. On
this, the son proposed, if it were agreeable to his
father, to seek the daughter of their neighbour
in marriage. Hearing this, the father was much
astonished, and asked how he could think of such
a thing, when he knew that no man, however
poor, could be induced to marry her.

" Nevertheless, the son insisted ; and, although the
father thought it a strange whim, in the end he gave
his consent. The good man then visited his neigh-
bour, telling him the wish of his son.

" When the good man heard what his friend said,
he answered, 1 By heaven, my friend, were I to do

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202

CdUNT LuCANOfc

such a thing I should prove myself a very false "friend,
for you have a worthy son, and it would be base in
me to consent to his injury or death ; and I know
for certain that, were he to live with my daughter,
he would soon die, or death, at least, would be pre-
ferable to life. Do not think I say this from any
objection to your alliance, for I should only be too
grateful to any man who would take her out of my
house/

"The young man's father was much pleased at
this, as his son was so intent on the marriage. All
being ultimately arranged, they were in the end
married, and the bride taken home, according to the
Moorish fashion, to the house of her husband, and
left to supper ; the friends and relations returning to
their respective homes, waiting anxiously for the
following day, when they feared to find the bride-
groom either dead or seriously injured.

" Now, being left alone, the young couple sat down
to supper, when the bridegroom, looking behind
him, saw his mastiff and said to him, ' Bring me
water wherewith to wash my hands.' The dog,
naturally taking no notice of this command, the
young man became irritated, and ordered the animal
more angrily to bring him water for his hands,
which the latter not heeding, the young man arose
in a great rage, and, drawing his sword, commenced
a savage attack on the dog, who, to avoid him
ran away; but, finding no retreat, jumped on the
table, then to the fireplace, his master still pursuing

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" Bring me water for my hands."

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Catching a Tartar.

20$

him, who, having caught him, first cut off his head,
then his paws, hewing him to pieces, covering
everything with blood. Thus furious and blood-
stained, he returned to the table, and, looking round,
saw a cat 'Bring me water for my hands/ said
he to him. The animal not noticing the com-
mand, the master cried out, ' How, false traitor, did
you not see how I treated the mastiff for disobey-
ing me ? if you do not do as I tell you this instant
you shall share his fate.' The poor little harm-
less cat continuing motionless, the master seized
him by the paws and dashed him to pieces against
the wall. His fury increasing, he again placed
himself at the table, looking about on all sides as
if for something to attack next. His wife, seeing
this, and supposing he had lost his senses, held her
peace At length he espied his horse, the only one
he had, and called to him fiercely to bring him
water to wash his hands. The animal not obeying,
he cried out in a rage, 1 How is this ? Think
you that because you are the only horse I have that
you dare thus to disobey my orders ? Know then
that your fate shall be the same as the others, and
that anyone living who dares to disobey me shall
not escape my vengeance.' Saying this, he seized
the horse, cut off his head, and hacked him to
pieces.

"And when the wife saw this, and knowing he
had no other horse, felt that he was really in earnest,
she became dreadfully alarmed.

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Count Lucanor.

" He again sat down to table, raging and all
bloody as he was, swearing he would kill a thousand
horses, or even men or women, if they dared to
disobey him. Holding at the same time his bloody
sword in his hand, he looked around with glaring
eyes until, fixing them on his wife, he ordered her
to bring him water to wash his hands.

" The wife, expecting no other fate than to be
cut to pieces if she demurred, immediately arose and
brought him the water.

"'Ha! thank God you have done so/ said he,
' otherwise, I am so irritated by these senseless brutes
that I should have done by you as by them.* He
afterwards commanded her to help him to meat.
She complied ; but he told her, in a fearful tone of
voice, to beware, as he felt as if he was going mad.

" Thus passed the night ; she not daring to speak,
but strictly obeying all his orders. After letting her
sleep for a short time, he said to her, 1 Get up, I have
been so annoyed that I cannot sleep ; take care that
nothing disturbs me, and in the meanwhile prepare
me a good and substantial meal.'

" While it was yet early the following morning, the
fathers, mothers, and other relatives came stealthily
to the door of the young people, and, hearing no
movement, feared the bridegroom was either dead or
wounded ; and, seeing the bride approach the door
alone, were still more alarmed.

" She, seeing them, went cautiously and trem-
blingly towards them, and exclaimed : ' Traitors,

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Taming of a Shrew.

20$

what are you doing ? How dare you approach this
gate ? Speak not — be silent, or all of us, you as
well as I, are dead.'

" When they heard this they were much astonished,
and, on learning what had taken place the night
previous, they esteemed the young man very much
who had made so good a commencement in the
management of his household; and from that day
forward his wife became tractable and complaisant,
so that they led a very happy life.

"A few days later, his father-in-law, wishing to
follow the example of his son, likewise killed a horse
in order to intimidate his wife, but she said to him,
' My friend, it is too late to begin now ; it would not
avail you to kill a hundred horses : we know each
other too well.'

"And you, Count Lucanor, if your dependant
wishes to marry such a woman, if he be like this
young man, advise him that he may do it with safety,
for he will know how to rule his house : but if he be
not likely to act with resolute determination at the
beginning, and to sustain his position in his house-
hold, advise him to have nothing to do with her. As
also I would counsel you in all cases where you have
dealings with men to act with that decision which
will leave them no room to think that you can be
imposed upon."

The Count thought this a very good example,
and Don Juan had it written in this book, and
made these lines, saying : —

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2o6 Count Lucanor.

Who would not for life be a henpeck'd fool
Must show, from the first, that he means to rule.

NOTES.

A translation of the above story, by Mr. F. W. Cosens, was
separately printed a short time since, and was copied into the
Athaneum of June 29, 1867, with some preliminary remarks
calling attention to its remarkable resemblance in general idea
to the "Taming of the Shrew" — a resemblance which Tick-
nor was the first to point out in 1848 ("History of Spanish
Literature," vol. i. p. 66), and which had escaped the notice
of all the Shakespearian editors and commentators.

As the Editio Princeps of "El Conde Lucanor" was pub-
lished at Madrid in 1575, it is, of course, possible that Shake-
speare may have seen the book, or, if not, that he may have
heard the story from one of the wits and poets of Elizabeth's
court.

In a French work, entitled, "La Collection de Legrand
D'Aussy," will be found a similar tale to Don Manuel's —
"La Dame qui fut corrigee," where the same remedies are
employed, but with greater brutality, as the husband, not
content with killing his dogs and his- horse, beats his wife
and knocks out the eye of a disobedient servant. Again,
we find the same subject in two Italian works ; one is in
the fourth volume "Novelliero Italiano," which has been
prettily arranged for the French stage, under the title of "La
Jeune Femme Colere;" and again, there is the same tale
found in the "Notti Piacevole di Straparola." Two brothers >
having married two sisters, on leaving the church for their re-
spective homes, one brother presented his wife with a pair of
trowsers and two sticks, proposing to her that she should decide
which was to be master. She immediately acknowledged his
superior right. He then led her to the stables, under the pre-
text of showing her his horses, and, finding one that was restive,
beat him and killed him. The wife profiting by this example,

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The Vender of Brains. 207

ihe husband had ever after only to extol her mildness and
obedience. The other began very differently; being too much
in love with his wife, he allowed her to gain a complete ascend-
ency over him, and thus caused his misery. At length he
went to consult his brother, who informed him of what he
had done. On returning home, this foolish husband led his
wife to the stable, and killed a horse in her presence; he then
offered her the trowsers and two sticks, requesting her to choose,
but she laughed at him ; so that he only lost a horse for his
pains.

From the resemblance of this and the like tales to Don
Manuel's account of "What happened to a Young Man on
his Wedding Day," written in the fourteenth century, it is
pretty clear that he was the originator of the idea.

CHAPTER XLV.

Of what happened to a Merchant who went to
buy Brains.

NE day Count Lucanor said, "Patronio,
I am furious at a thing I have
been told, as it tends greatly to my
dishonour; and I fear it will provoke
me to act with so much rashness and impetuosity
as may cause a scandal."

Patronio, seeing the Count so irritated, said to
him, "My lord, permit me to relate to you what
happened to a trader who went one day to buy
brains."

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208

Count Lucanor.

The Count assenting, Patronio continued as
follows : —

" My lord, there lived in a town a famous master,
whose sole business was to sell brains. One day
the trader of whom I spoke went to this man
who sold brains, saying that he wished to become
a purchaser.

" The other replied he was very willing to serve
him ; but desired to know what price he would go
to, as the quality would be according to the price he
was disposed to pay for it.

" The trader offered him a maravedi,* which he
took, saying, * My friend, when you are invited to a
dinner, and know not the number of dishes of which
it is composed, eat heartily of the first which is pre-
sented to you.'

"The trader replied that was very poor value for
his money ; to which the other said, ' As I told you,
it is according to the price given.

"The trader then presented him with a dollar;
and the other told him that, when he should find
himself in a rage never to act on the impulse of his
feelings, but to wait until he had well considered all
the circumstances. The trader, finding that, at this
rate, he would be expending many dollars, resolved
henceforward to seek advice in his own brain, for
better or for worse.

* A Spanish copper coin, thirty-four of which make a real
de vellon, which is about threepence English.

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A Dollar's Worth of Wit. 209

u Now it happened that this trader, having occa-
sion to go to a distant country by sea, had to leave
his wife while she was with child. More than
twenty years passed without any tidings of him*
The mother, having a son, and believing her husband
to be dead, she having no other child, continued to
eat and sleep with her son, as had been her custom
from his birth ; she, from her great love for her
husband and child, calling the boy her husband. It
now happened that the trader, having completed his
business, turned towards home with his fortune, and
arriving at the gate of the city where he lived, passed
on without making himself known to anybody, and
quietly sought his own house, where he concealed
himself that he might see what was passing.

" Now when it was evening and the young mam
came home, the good wife said, 'Good husband,
whence come you ? '

" The trader, hearing her call this young man> her
husband, was much grieved, not because she had
married him, but, seeing so young a man, he feared
she was leading an immoral life. He determined at
once upon killing her, but, recollecting the advice
which had cost him a dollar, kept cool. By-and-bye
they sat down to table, which the trader seeing, felt
still more irritated, but he yet remembered the
advice he had received, and would not allow himself
to be carried away by his passion ; but, when night
came, and he saw them lie down together, he felt it
impossible longer to restrain his anger, and issued

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2IO

Count Lucanor.

from his hiding-place, intending to kill them ; but,
suddenly remembering the brains which he had
purchased, became quiet

" Now, before the fire was quite extinguished, the
woman commenced crying bitterly, ' O, my son and
husband, I hear that a vessel has arrived from the
country your father journeyed to ; for the love of
God, I pray you to go early in the morning, and
perchance you may hear some news of him.'

" The trader, hearing this, and remembering the
situation in which he had left hi$ wife, concluded
this might be his own son, and felt much pleased,
thanking God very heartily that he had not killed
him as he intended ; and now thought the dollar
which he had expended in the purchase of brains
well laid out, as it had taught him self-command.

" And you, Count Lucanor, do not act hastily and
before you have given yourself time to ascertain the
truth and certainty of that which you complain of ;
but, once satisfied on this point, let not anger carry
you away, or influence you to do anything which
may hereafter give you cause for repentance.

The Count was pleased with this advice, and
followed it. Don Juan, approving of this example,
ordered it to be written in this book, with the
following lines : —

If your anger hastily you vent,

Twill be your fate at leisure to repent.

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Sober Reflection.

211

NOTES.

How much unhappiness would be spared in this world if the
advice given in the two lines appended to this amusing tale were
more strictly followed. How unwise is it to act while under the
influence of a passion which tramples beneath its feet all guardian
agencies; how much better to give some time to reflection, as
Norfolk advises Buckingham, when he says, " Stay, my lord, and
let your reason with your choler question what 'tis you go about.''
—Henry VIII.

It is well often to take counsel of our pillow, or, as the Italians
say, in a beautiful proverb, " La notte e la mad re di pensieri," —
" Night is the mother of thoughts." Neither should it ever be for-
gotten that we may some day be reconciled to the person who
now excites our passion, and live to regret the too hasty utter-
ance of observations which may ever mar that unity of feeling
which previously existed, for, as the Spaniards say, "Amigo
quebrado y soldado mas nunca sano," — " Broken friendships may
be soldered, but never made sound."

So far concerns the moral. The narrative, however, throughout
is novel and full of point, showing that good brains, like any other
article, should or ought to bring to the vendor a value propor-
tionate to their worth.

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212

Count Lucanor.

CHAPTER XLVI.

What happened to a Man with a grey Sand-piper and
a Swallow.

N another occasion, Count Lucanor
speaking with Patronio, said, " Patro-
nio, in no way can I escape having a
quarrel with one of my two neighbours.
It happens that one of these is nearer to me than
the other ; I beg you, therefore, to advise me what
to do under these circumstances/ 9

" My lord," said Patronio, " that I may the better
do this, allow me to relate what happened to a man
with a sandrpiper and a swallow."
44 Willingly," replied the Count
44 There was a feeble old man who was so annoyed
by the chirping and chattering of the sand-pipers
and swallows which surrounded his dwelling, that
he begged a friend to get rid of them for him, as he
found they entirely prevented his getting any rest

44 His friend replied that he was willing to comply
with his request, but that it would be impossible to
get rid of both of them at the same time. It there-
fore only remained for him to decide which should
be removed.

" To this the old man replied that the swallows

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A Choice of Evils.

213

made the most noise, and were the greatest
nuisance ; 1 But, you know/ he says, 1 the swallows
go and come ; I should therefore, prefer getting rid
of the sand-pipers, as they are always stationary/

"And you, Count Lucanor, although your more
distant neighbour may be the more powerful, I would
advise you rather to quarrel with him than with
your adjoining one, although he be the weaker."

The Count liked this advice, and followed it with
much benefit.

And Don Juan, thinking it to be a good example,
ordered it to be written in this book, and composed
the following lines : —

If thou be forced all ways to exchange a blow,
Choose the more distant, though more powerful foe.

NOTES.

This fable teaches us the well-known maxim, "Of two evils
choose the less," a question often requiring the exercise of our
best discrimination. And, if an enemy must exist, there can be no
question that a distant one is more to be tolerated than the endless
annoyance of a nearer one ; the more so, when broils and offences
were, in Don Manuel's time, more frequently decided by the sword
than by an appeal to justice.

The sand-piper (Totanus) alluded to chiefly frequents the sands
and shingly shores of the sea coast It is a noisy bird, and utters
shrill and wailing cries.

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214

Count Lucanor.

CHAPTER XLVII.

What happened to the Devil, with a Woman who
went on a Pilgrimage.

¥%gf ^ OUNT LUCANOR, conversing one day

quiring in what manner a bad man could inflict most
evil upon others and make them suffer most Some
said, by rebellion ; others, by evil-doing ; and some
declared that the thing of all others which made a
man most dangerous was an evil and slanderous
tongue. Now, as you have so good an understand-
ng, I pray you to tell me from which of these
injuries the persons suffering from them would
be likely to receive most harm."

"My lord," said Patronio, "that you may the
better understand my opinion on this matter, I
should like to relate to you what happened to the
Devil, with a woman who went on a pilgrimage."

The Count, requesting to hear the narrative,
Patronio proceeded as follows : —

" In a certain town there resided a young man of
good personal appearance and his wife, who lived
so happily together that they were never known to

with Patronio, his counsellor, said,
"Patronio, I and some other persons
were talking together lately, and in-

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" He met an evil-disposed woman in the guise of a pilgrim."

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The Devil's Coadjutrtx. 2T5

disagree. The Devil, seeing this, and always going
about seeking to do evil, was much grieved at this
semblance of worldly felicity, and determined to
leave no means untried by which he could ma* their
happiness and draw them into his meshes.

"One day he was returning from the town
where this couple lived, sad and dejected at the ill-
success of his schemes, when he met an evil-di'sposed
woman in the guise of a pilgrim. Having saluted
each other, she asked him from whence he came so
sad. He told her he was returning from the town
where the man and woman lived, detailed their state
of happiness, and how he had been going about for
some time to cause dissension between them, but
without success.

44 She said she was much astonished, and the more
so, knowing his cunning, at his being frustrated ;
and so promised, if he would follow her advice, she
would soon put an end to his troubles.

"The Devil consented to do all she suggested,
provided she could cause a difference between the
•man and his wife. They immediately made arrange-
ments for their future operations.

"The woman then went to the town where the

young couple resided, and devoted the whole of her

time to watching their habits and proceedings. She

ultimately called at their house, saying that she had

been an old servant in the family and was anxious,

if they would engage her, to devote her whole life to
their service.

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2\6

Count Lucanor.

"The good wife, believing in her word, unfor-
tunately took her into her house, and confided to her,
after a while, all her secrets, as did also her husband.

" Now, after living in their service for some time,
and becoming the confidant of both parties, she came
one day, with a sad face, saying to the wife, ' I fear
from what I have seen that your husband is devoting
himself more to another woman than he ought, and
I come to advise you to lose no opportunity in
securing his love by a more devoted attention — the
loss of his affection being the greatest evil that could
happen to you.'

"When the good woman heard this, although
she could scarcely believe it, yet it had the effect of
making her anxious and sad.

" The false servant seeing this, then went to meet
the husband, who she knew was returning home
from a certain place, and, with a woful face, told
him that, much as she disliked it, she felt it her duty
to inform him that she feared his wife loved another
more than himself; at the same time praying, for
the love of God, he would not tell his wife, or she
would kill her.

"The young husband, hearing this, would not
believe it ; nevertheless, it had the effect of causing
him to be very depressed and dejected.

" The woman, seeing this, hastened home to the
wife, saying to her, with great feeling, 'My dear
child, I cannot understand how it is that your hus-
band is becoming so indifferent to you; and, that

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Consulting a Soothsayer. 217

you may believe in my fidelity, take notice when
he comes in how angry and sad he is, contrary to
his usual custom.' On leaving the wife she went to
the husband with the same story.

" As soon as the husband reached the house, and
found his wife so dejected and so different from her
usual appearance, he became more uneasy. After a
while the servant proposed to the wife to consult
some soothsayer, who could advise her the best
method of regaining and securing her husband's
affection. The wife, who desired to again live
happily with her husband, willingly assented to this.
In a few days the servant informed her mistress that
she had found a wise man, whom they now con-
sulted, and who gave her to understand that, if she
cut a few hairs from her husband's beard, under the
chin, it would have the effect of instantly removing all
his anger, and they would live in harmony, as before,
and perhaps more happily ; at the same time giving a
razor for the purpose. The young wife, anxious to
regain her husband's former love, and again live
happily as before, consented to do as suggested.

"The false servant now turned to the husband,
telling him that she was miserable at the prospect of
losing him, but she could no longer conceal it from
him that his wife intended to kill him and go away
with her admirer; adding that he might verify the
truth of her statements. She now said that his wife
and her lover had arranged to kill him in the follow-
ing manner. She then suggested that he should come

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Count Lucanor.

in by-and-bye to take a little rest, and told him that,
as soon as he was asleep, his wife intended cutting
his throat with a razor.

"The husband was much alarmed at what the
woman told him, resolving inwardly to test the truth
of her assertion, guarding himself by precautions
from any actual danger. On returning home, his
wife received him more kindly than she had done
for some time, asking him why he so incessantly
worked, taking so little rest; inviting him, at the
same time, to lie down and place his head on her
knees while she lulled him to sleep.

" On the husband's hearing this he felt convinced
of the truth of the servant's statement, and, in order to
test his wife's conduct he lay down as she proposed,
resting his head on her lap, and in a little time
feigned to be asleep. She now took in her hand
the razor to cut off the hairs from his throat, as
advised by the false servant ; when the husband,
surprising her with the razor in her hand in the act
of applying it to his throat, no longer doubted her
treachery, and, starting up with alarm, seized the
razor from her hands, and instantly decapitated her.
The wife's father and brothers, hearing the noise
which this struggle occasioned, ran hastily into the
room and were horrified at the spectacle they there
beheld, and, having never heard any evil reports
against the young woman, immediately attacked the
young man and slew him.

" Again, the relatives of the young man, hearing

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The Fatal Razor.

219

how unfairly he had been slain, attacked in their
turn the father and brothers of the wife, and killed
them. This brought others into the fray, so that
many in the town lost their lives.

" All this was caused by the false representations
of the wicked servant ; but, as God never permits
evil, known or concealed, to go unpunished, so it
was soon discovered that all these misfortunes arose
from the hypocrisy and false representations of a
deceitful female pilgrim, who, being brought to
justice, was condemned to a most cruel death.

" And you, Count Lucanor, if you desire to know
what class of men are most dangerous in society,
learn, from this recital, that they are those who,
under the guise of friendship or otherwise, introduce
calumny and false representations for the destruction
of good feeling. I advise you, therefore, to be most
on your guard against religious cats or 'sancti-
monious traitors/ against whom the Scriptures also
caution us, saying, 'A fructibus eorum cognoscetis
eos,' — 'By their fruits ye shall know them.' For
certain it is that no man can long conceal entirely
his thoughts and intentions ; there will arise
occasions when they will escape him and attract
attention."

The Count found much truth in what Patronio
had said, and prayed to God to preserve him
and his friends from the baneful influence of all
calumniators.

And Don Juan, liking the example, had it written

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Count Lucanor.

in this book, and composed the following lines,
which say : —

The doings, not the semblance, heed,
Wouldst thou from evil chance be freed

We are strongly inclined to believe that Moliere, in writing
his celebrated "Tartuffe," had in view the fable of Don Manuel.
Although the characters introduced are not exactly alike, yet
his severe criticisms on the hypocrisy of the abbes of his day
(so generally commented on at that time by most writers)
resemble in that and in the construction of the story the little
drama of Don Manuel, wherein is so vividly depicted the great
evil of hypocrisy, and where, by misrepresentations, not only
is the happiness of one family destroyed, but several murders
committed, and, indeed, a whole town involved in a general
massacre.

In this tale I have not translated literally the invitation made
by the wife, u Y que ella lo espulgaria," fearing it might be
offensive to the eyes of some of our readers. In making this
remark, I cannot but comment on the general refinement of
Don Manuel's writings, and their entire freedom from the
grossness which, at a later period, characterized the works of
some of the best Spanish writers.

NOTE.

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221

CHAPTER XLVIII.

The advice which Patronio gave to Count Lucanor
when informed that a Man had offered to teach
him the art of foretelling coming events, which he
exemplified by what happened to a good man,
who became first rich and afterwards poor, by the
intervention of the Devil.

NE day Count Lucanor said to Patronio,
" A man tells me that he knows many
ways and signs whereby to foretell
coming events, which art he desires to
teach me, so that I may be enabled to increase
my power and better my possessions. But, as my
conscience inspires me with the feeling that this is
not altogether without sin, before I accept his offer,
I wish you to direct me what to do."

" My lord," said Patronio, " in order to illustrate
your situation, allow me to relate to you the story of
the man with the Devil."
" Willingly," said the Count.
Patronio proceeded as follows : — " A very rich
man arrived at such a state of poverty that he was
unable to maintain himself which misfortune made
him very wretched. One day, being particularly

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Count Lucanor.

sad, and wandering alone among the mountains, he
chanced to meet the Devil, who, though from his
intuitive knowledge he was well aware of what was
passing in the man's mind, nevertheless asked him
why he was so sad.

" The man replied, it was no use telling him, as
he could not remove the cause.

" The Devil answered, and said to the man, that,
if he were willing to comply with all he required of
him, he would prove to him that he was able to
relieve him, and that he knew why he was unhappy.
He then related all that had happened to him and
the cause of his sadness, asking him again if he
would accept his conditions, as, if so, he would
relieve him from his misery, making him richer than
any of his family had ever been before, saying that
he was the Devil, and had the power to do it.

"The man, hearing this, felt a little alarm;
nevertheless, his misery was so great that he
ultimately agreed, on condition of being made
very rich, to do all that was required of him.

" So it is that the Devil always knows his time to
make men fall into his snares. When he sees us in
any trouble or necessity, it is then that he offers
us his assistance to avoid labour and anxiety for the
sake of an immediate apparent relief. So it was
that he obtained possession of this man, making
him his slave.

"The conditions being arranged, the Devil told
the man that he must now become a robber, and

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* Wandering alone among the mountains he chanced to meet
the devil " . . . .

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Don Martin.

223

that he would give him the power to open the gate
or door of any house he desired, no matter how
well secured it might be ; and if by chance he were
taken prisoner, he had only to cry out, ' Help me,
Don Martin/ and he would come and set him free
from all danger.

"On these conditions, the man set out for the
house of a rich merchant, under the cover of night
(for evil-doers always avoid the light). He reached
the door, which the Devil opened for him ; and it
happened in the same manner with others, so that in
a short time the man found himself very rich indeed,
and lost all remembrance of his former poverty;
but, not content with his riches, he still continued
his career of robbery, until, being caught at last
and taken to prison, he called on Don Martin, who,
speedily arriving, placed him at liberty. Neverthe-
less, he yet continued his former practices, and being
taken prisoner, he called, as before, for his deliverer,
whose attendance was not so prompt as on the
former occasion. When he asked him how he
dared to deceive him, and why he delayed so long
in coming to help him, the Devil replied that he was
particularly engaged at the moment. He was again,
however, liberated.

" Now the man, seeing the facility which which he
was freed from prison, still continued his robberies,
but, Don Martin not responding to his last appeal,
he was tried and sentenced to die. After sentence
was passed, Don Martin once more placed him at

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Count Lucanor.

liberty in the name of the king. Again this man
returned to his old courses, and again was taken
prisoner. This time, however, Don Martin did
not arrive until he was at the foot of the scaffold.
The man then told Don Martin this was no
child's-play, for his delay had caused him dreadful
alarm.

"Don Martin replied he had brought him five
hundred maravedi in an alms-bag, which he was to
offer to the judge, who would immediately liberate
him. Now, while they were making preparations,
there appeared some difficulty in procuring a rope,
when the man, calling the judge aside, gave him the
bag containing the money.

"The judge, after a short time, turning to the
people, said, 'My friends, did you ever see a rope
wanting when the man is really guilty ? it is clear
that God does not desire the death of the innocent ;
therefore we shall defer the execution until to-
morrow. Examine his antecedents more carefully,
and, depend upon injustice shall be satisfied.' This
the judge did to gain time to count the money in
the bag, where, instead of money, finding only a
rope, he immediately ordered the execution of the
prisoner, who, having the rope round his neck,
called again on Don Martin, who attending, he
desired to know why he had deserted him in this
extremity ; to which the Devil replied that, under
any circumstances he could help him, excepfr when
he had a rope round his neck, as then he — the

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Lying Wonders.

225

Devil — was deprived by this of his power. The
consequence was that the culprit met the fate which
awaited him, losing thereby both soul and body,
from not resisting the temptation of the Devil ;
such being the fate of all those who rely upon false
aid and delay their repentance. And, if you doubt
my word, think of what happened to Alvar Nunez
and Garcilaso, who were most credulous men and
believed in all manner of signs and prognostications.

" And you, Count Lucanor; if you desire to save
both soul and body, put your trust and-hope in God,
who will never desert you, and not in omens and
predictions ; for it is a great sin to doubt the power
of God, placing your hopes on* auguries and such
occult fancies."

And the Count, thinking this good advice, followed
it with much benefit. Don Juan also considered
it so good an example as to be worthy of being
written in this book, and he composed the following
lines : —

Who doth not trust in God repose,,
Evil his life and sad its close.

NOTES.

Die study of astrology, witchcraft, or demonology, and the
occult sciences, occupied much attention at the period when
Don Manuel wrote, and he, fearing not to be wiser than his
time, has chosen in the above tale an example entirely in con-
formity with the opinion he desired to propagate.. The Devil

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Count Lucanor.

he shows us as the first of all sorcerers, and makes him powerful
only for evil We see, however, in all the old writers who had
faith in sorcery, that, while admitting the agency of evil, there
yet remained a doubt as to its fulfilment, consequent upon the
permission of an all-superintending superior agency of good.
This same drama we see enacted in the present day, in the form
of pantomime, where the efforts of the evil one are ultimately
rendered abortive by the watchful spirit of goodness. There is
a very old fable in Sir Roger L'Estrange's collection, which
is curiously like the one above, where a malefactor who had
committed I know not how many villanies and run through the
discipline of many jails, made a friend of the Devil to help
him out of all his distresses. This friend of his brought him
off many and many a time, and still he was taken up; again
and again he had recourse to the same Devil for succour.
But, upon his last summons, the Devil came to him with a
great bag full of old shoes on his back, and told him plainly,
" Friend, n says he, "I am at the end of my line, and can
help you no longer. I have beat the hoof till I have worn
out all these shoes in your service, and not one penny left me
to buy more, so that you must e'en excuse me if I drop you
here."

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227

CHAPTER XLIX.

What happened to Don Lorenzo Xuares Gallinato,
when he beheaded the renegade Priest

OUNT LUCANOR, speaking one day
with Patronio, said to him, "A man
came to me recently offering his ser-
vices. I know him to be a good man,
nevertheless I have heard so many tales about him
that I am undecided as to accepting his offers.
Now, as I know your ability to give me good
advice, I beg you to tell me what I should do in
this affair."

"Count Lucanor," said Patronio, "in order that
you may know how best to act in this affair, allow
me to relate to you what happened to Don Lorenzo
Xuares Gallinato."

The Count desiring to know what that was f
Patronio spoke as follows : —

"Don Lorenzo Xuares Gallinato lived a long
time in the service of the King of Granada, and
when it pleased God to restore him to the favour of
the holy King Ferdinand, this latter asked Don
Lorenzo one day how he ever hoped for mercy and
salvation, having so long served the Moors against
the Christians.

" Don Lorenzo replied that he thought he had

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Count Lucanor.

never done anything very offensive to God, unless
it was that he once had killed a priest.

"King Ferdinand, thinking this a very grievous
sin, asked him how it happened : to which he
replied that, being in the service of the King of
Granada, who trusted everything to him, and being
an officer of the body-guard, he one day accom-
panied the king, on horseback, to the city, where
they heard in a street a riotous noise, as if made by
many people. On putting spurs to his horse and
advancing to ascertain the cause of the tumult, he
found a Christian priest surrounded by people to
whom he declared his intention to become a mussul-
man and deliver over to them the God in whom the
Christians believed and trusted. This unhappy
traitor, having procured vestments and raised an
altar, celebrated mass thereon, and, after consecrat-
ing the sacred Host, delivered it over to the people,
who commenced its desecration by dragging it
through the streets and treating it with every mark
Of opprobrium. Seeing this, he, although living
among the Moors, remembering he was a Christian,
and firmly believing the dogma of his faith, and
that what they were insulting was the body of
Christ Jesus who had died for the redemption of
sinners, thought this was a happy occasion to risk
his own life to save from further insult the sacred
Host, and revenge those outrages which had been
already offered to it ; so, descending from his horse,
drew his sword and slew the offending priest. He

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The Apostate punished. 229

then knelt down in adoration before God who had
been so insulted. At this the Moors became out-
rageous, attacking him with sticks and stones, and
causing a great uproar, which the king hearing, rode
forward to inquire the cause, finding Lorenzo, sword
in hand, defending himself against the Moors, who
sought to kill him. He called upon the people to
desist, at the same time inquiring the cause of the
disturbance, which the Moors related to him with
great anger, and how Don Lorenzo had killed the
priest. The king demanded to know how he had
dared to do so without orders ; when Don Lorenzo
simply answered that he was a Christian, and that,
as the king trusted the care of his person to him,
his loyalty and duty would ever compel him to
suffer death rather than that the sacred person of
his majesty should be insulted, so his duty as a
Christian obliged him to sacrifice his life in defence
of the sacred body of the King of kings and Lord of
lords ; if his majesty desired to punish him for this,
he was ready to submit to his commands. The
king, hearing this, understanding his motives, and
knowing his fidelity, appreciated him and loved
him more.

" And you, Count Lucanor, if you know this man
is really trustworthy, heed not what is said against
him, but act as the King of Granada did towards
Don Lorenzo Xuares Gallinato ; but, if you think
the man deceives you and is unworthy of your con-
fidence, avoid accepting his offer of service."

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230 Count Lucanor.

The Count was much pleased with the advice
which Patronio had given him. And Don Juan,
liking the example, had it written in this book, and
wrote the following couplet: —

Many things unreasonable seem,

Which, when better known, we find deserve esteem.

NOTES.

This chapter is wanting in the early editions of " Count Lucanor,"
and the void is explained by the defective state of the manuscript
apparently used by Argote de Molina, which is that supposed to
have come from the convent of Peftafiel, to which it was be-
queathed by the author. Fortunately, another manuscript has
been discovered in the National Library of Madrid, containing
the whole of the fable,, which is given in the excellent edition of
Don Pascual de Gayangos (Madrid, i860).

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231

CHAPTER L.

Concerning that which happened to Saladin and a
Lady y wife of a Knight in his service.

OUNT LUCANOR spoke to Patronio
one day in the following manner: —

" Patronio, I know for certain that
you have an excellent understanding,
and that there is no man on earth better able to give
advice in any case than you ; I pray you, therefore,
to tell me what, in your opinion, is the best qualifi-
cation a man can possess. I am more needful of
your opinion because I am conscious how many
qualities a man requires to enable him to act well
and with success ; for a man may have a good
understanding, and, nevertheless, not act well.
Such being the case, I desire to know the one
thing most essential for me to remember and
cherish under all circumstances."

" My lord," said Patronio, " I thank you for your
praise, but more especially for the honour you do
me in appreciating my understanding. Nevertheless,
I fear you may err in this particular, knowing as I
well do, how easy it is to deceive ourselves in our
judgment of mankind, as we have to determine two
things : the one, what is the disposition of a man ;

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Count Lucanor.

and the other, what is his understanding. Now, to
clearly know what is a man's real character we must
see how he acts towards God, as also what is his
conduct towards the world ; for, much as he may
appear to do good works, and allowing that he
really may perform some good and worthy actions,
yet these may be directed only to his greater advan-
tage in this world ; so that all this specious virtue
and merit, which certainly serves its purpose for
the day, will be found void of all solid foundation,
and will not exempt a man from the suffering
consequent upon sin.

"Now others perform their good works for the
service of God on\y h regarding not the world. We
all know this is the better part, being that which
will secure for us eternal happiness in the future ;
nevertheless, those who elect either the one or the
other extreme should consider well the course they
are pursuing — the one acts and lives only for this
world, the other is quite regardless thereof.

u Now, as man owes a duty both to God and to
the world, he should so regulate his conduct as to
perform good actions, guided by purity of intention
in .all things — a task almost as difficult to accomplish
as to hold his hand in the fire without feeling the
heat.

" It is, therefore, right that a man should, in all
his actions, consider that he owes a united duty to
God and man, for there have been many good kings
and holy men who have fulfilled these two duties.

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Patronio's Discourse.

233

44 Again, to judge a man's understanding, requires
us to weigh well his good works. Many men are
found with good solid sense, who cannot at the same
time speak two sentences correctly ; whilst others
act perfectly, if you believe their own recital and
description of what they, do and intend doing;
nevertheless, their deeds are of small value.

44 How is it, then, that men act so well in their
own opinion and so contrariwise according to the
ideas of others ? like to those whom the Scripture
calls fools — running about with drawn swords in
their hands, always ready to destroy all who con-
tradict them ; or, as princes who abuse their might
and power.

44 Now, that you may be able to judge which man
is most pleasing to God and the world, who pos-
sesses a real good understanding, whose intentions
are pure, and whose words deserve credence, you
must carefully judge them by their works ; and this
must not be done hastily and without due considera-
tion, but you must cautiously watch, even if for a
considerable period, in order to ascertain if prudence,
justice, a kind regard for the feelings of others, and
a true spirit of charity guide their words and deeds.

44 1 have entered into a consideration of the
motives which should and do influence men,
particularly as you have paid me so honourable
a compliment, which, perhaps, after a mature con-
sideration, you might not feel inclined hastily to
repeat, in order that you may decide for yourself

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Count Lucaxor.

which is the qualification most essential and most
beneficial to man ; and I will farther relate to you the
story of Saladin, and the wife of one of his vassals."

The Count begged to be allowed to hear this.

"Count," said Patronio, "Saladin was Sultan of
Babylon, and being one day on an expedition with
a mighty train of knights and attendants, he found
it was impossible to lodge them all in the same house
with himself, so he resolved to go and ask for accom-
modation at the residence of one of his vassals for
himself, who seeing his sovereign at his humble
dwelling, felt himself highly honoured thereby, and
both he and his wife paid the Sultan every attention,
ministering personally to all his wants. It happened
that the Devil, who is ever seeking how he can
tempt men to vice and folly, inspired Saladin with
a violent passion for the wife of his host, and as
unfortunately bad advisers, false friends, and abet-
tors are never wanting, one of these latter counselled
Saladin to send away the woman's husband on a
confidential mission, pointing out that, during his
absence, the wife would be in the Sultan's power.
Now this advice pleased Saladin very much, so he
decided on removing the husband to a distant part
of his dominions. A few days after the tetter's
departure the Sultan returned to take up his abode
at the house of his vassal, and the wife, grateful for
all the benefits conferred on her house, did all in
her power to please her sovereign, urging all her
domestics to carefully attend to his wants.

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Saladin and the Lady. 235

"One day, on rising from table, Saladin passed
into his own private apartments, and sent to ac-
quaint the lady that he desired her attendance there.
She, not suspecting evil, immediately went, and was
both pained and surprised at hearing the Sultan
declare how much he loved her. She feigned, how-
ever, not to comprehend his meaning, replying she
was quite unworthy his regard, and that she daily
prayed to God for his long life and happiness, as
she was in duty bound, he being her lord and
master, and that she never could forget his noble
conduct towards her husband.

"After listening to her, Saladin replied that he
loved her more than any other woman in the world.
Nevertheless, she still appeared not to rightly un-
derstand his meaning, but was profuse in her
professions of respect and gratitude.

" At length the Sultan was obliged to declare in
plain language the nature of his passion, when the
woman, who was as clever as she was virtuous,
adroitly changed the conversation : 1 My lord/ said
she, 1 1 am only a poor weak woman ; still I know
that men are not always masters of their feelings
and passions, so it may be that you really love me as
you say you do ; but this I do know, that when a
man, particularly a great one like you, is influenced
by a woman's charms and seeks her favour, he
makes her most flattering promises, but that, as
soon as he has gratified his unworthy passion, he
crushes her under the weight of her own dishonour,

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2$6 Count Lucanor. .

and basely turns his back on her ; and such treat-
ment I should richly merit were I to listen to your
declarations, which, believe me, I will neither hear
nor accept.'

44 Saladin vainly endeavoured to persuade her she
had nothing to fear, as he would ever be constant
and true, protesting that, if she would but grant him
a favourable hearing, he would gratify all her wishes
and desires.

44 4 Well, then/ she replied, 4 since you are willing
to gratify all my caprices, I promise you that as
soon as I find you are faithful to your word, I,
too, will do all you desire of me.'

44 Saladin thought she was going to beg of him, as
a favour, to renounce his love for her, and hastened
to make this an exceptional circumstance from his
general promise. She reassured him, however, say-
ing she did not require this nor any other sacrifice
beyond his strength. 4 Ah, then/ cried he, 4 1 will
solemnly swear to do all you ask me.'

44 The noble and virtuous lady, tranquillised by his
promise, knelt before him, kissing his hands and feet.
She then told him all she desired was that he should
tell her what he considered the best thing a man could
possess, and which is the head and foundation of all
other virtues, being greater in itself than all others.

44 Now Saladin, hearing this question, began to
think what answer he should give, and finally asked
the good woman to grant him some time to think
the matter over ; to which she consented, promising

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The Sultan's Quest. 237

that, as soon as he replied to her question, she
would, as she had told him, comply with all hU
wishes. So, for the present, ended the discussion
between them.

" The Sultan now sought his suite and attendants,
and began questioning them, in order that he might
find a suitable answer to the proposition which had
been made to him.

"Some told him that, in their opinion, a life of
piety and devotion and a hope centered solely on
God and eternity was the greatest possession men
could desire ; whilst others remarked, that a life
entirely given to spiritual concerns and neglectful of
the duties due to our state and position could not be
good. Some now proposed that loyalty was the
best qualification for men; but others remarked,
that a man might be very loyal, nevertheless he
might be stupid, cowardly, and rude. And so they
continued, each one giving some opinion ; none,
however, satisfying the Sultan as to the question he
had proposed.

" Saladin, not finding amongst his own court any
who could reply to his question, sought out two
jugglers, with whom, disguised in their dress, he
secretly travelled both by sea and land to seek in all
countries a suitable reply to the question. They first
went to the Papal court, knowing it to be the resort
of Christians from all parts, hoping there to find
some one able to solve their difficulty ; after which
they went to France, to see if) among kings, they

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Count Lucanor.

would succeed better. As time passed on they
began to regret heartily the task they had under-
taken, for it appeared a man possessing discernment
enough to solve this question was not easily to be
met with, and possibly would have abandoned the
undertaking had not shame at being thought indolent
and careless prevented their so doing. Saladin did
not think of giving up all hope, because he had not
as yet found a solution in or out of his own dominions.

" It happened that one day, as the Sultan and the
jugglers were travelling, they accidently met on the
road a young esquire who was hunting, and had
just killed a stag. Now this young man had a very
old and feeble father who, in his younger days, was
considered the best sportsman in that country, but
now, from old age and infirmities, was confined to
his chair, still he preserved his understanding as
clear and able as when young, age having respected
his mental faculties. The young huntsman was
coming gaily from the chase, and, meeting the Sultan
and his jugglers, he asked them who they were and
what they sought. Hearing they were jugglers, he
invited them to accompany him home for that night.
But they excused themselves, saying they were in
great haste, it being very long since they had left
their country in search of a particular errand which
they could not complete to their satisfaction ; so that
they could not, although willing to do so, accept his
kind offer.

" Now the young man questioned them so closely

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The Sultan's Inquiry. 239

that they could not help telling him their errand, to
which he N replied that, in his belief, his own father
was the only man on earth capable of helping them,
for, if he could not answer the question, no man
living could.

"When Saladin, who was disguised as a juggler,
heard this he was much pleased, and they all followed
the young man to his house, who entered gaily,
telling his father that he had been most fortunate at
the chase, and had met these men on his road home ;
whereupon, explaining their difficulties, he besought
his father to do his best to satisfactorily answer their
question.

" The old man soon discovered that the one who in-
terrogated him was not in reality a juggler, but acting
a part. He told his son that, after they had dined,
he would reply to any question they might ask him.

"The young esquire told this to Saladin, whom
he believed to be a juggler, which pleased him much.
As soon, however, as the tablecloth was removed
after the repast, and the jugglers were ready, the old
man told his son to ask them to repeat their question,
assuring them that he would do his best to give a
satisfactory answer, no man having yet done so.

" When Saladin, still disguised, spoke, saying that
the question was, ' What is the greatest qualification
a man can possess, and which is the foundation of
all other virtues ? '

"The old man, hearing this, understood well its
meaning and at once recognized Saladin, having

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240

Count Lucanor.

spent a long time at his court in former days and re-
ceived from him many favours and marks of esteem ;
he therefore said to him, 4 My friend, the first
answer I will give you is this, that never before to-
day have jugglers been admitted to my house, and
know that what I should now do would be to pro-
claim to all present the many favours and benefits I
have received from you ; nevertheless, I will hold
my peace till such time as I have had a private
interview with you, not wishing to do aught which
might displease you. Know, therefore, now that
the greatest possession a man can own, and the source
of all other virtues is honour, for a man will suffer
death to defend his honour, it being, as it should be,
his dearest treasure. For honour's sake a man re-
frains from doing that which he believes to be wrong,
let his desire be ever so great. Hence, we see,
honour is the most desirable thing a man can possess,
it being the beginning and ending of all virtue and
goodness, the source and crown of all So a loss of
the sense of shame is the greatest evil that can befall
a man.'

"Now, when the Sultan heard these words, he
understood that the old man spoke truly and justly,
and, having thanked him for the explanation and also
for his hospitality, prepared to depart with his com-
panions, not, however, before the old man had in-
formed him that, notwithstanding his disguise, he
had recognized him from the first.

" Saladin, thanking his host for his polite atten-

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The Greatest Treasure. 241

tion, and more particularly for the solution of the
question, returned with all haste to his own domi-
nions, where, on his arrival, he was received with
every demonstration of joy. After a little while he
sought the residence of the lady who had proposed
the question he was to reply to. She received him
with every mark of respect and consideration, and in-
sisted on his partaking of refreshments ; after which
Saladin related all the trouble and journeying it had
cost him to have her question solved, but that, at last,
he had happily succeeded in finding what he believed
to be a suitable answer ; and that, "having thus ful-
filled his promise, he hoped the lady would now
keep hers made to him. To which she replied,
' Most certainly, provided the answer is satisfactory
to my mind.'

"The Sultan said, 'Madam, you asked me what
was the greatest treasure a man could possess, and
which in itself was the author and source of all virtue
and goodness. Now I answer honour which is
the source and foundation of all virtue.'

" The good lady, hearing this reply, rejoiced very
much, and said, ' Sire, now I feel you have spoken
truth to me, and have really fulfilled your promise.
Now I ask you, as a king, to reply truly to the
question I am going to propose ; do you think there
is a man in the world possessed of more honour than
yourself ? '

"Saladin replied that, although he felt loth to
answer on his own account, still, truth obliged him

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242

Count Lucanor.

to say that he believed no man to be more honour-
able than himself.

" The good lady, hearing this, prostrated herself
at the Sultan's feet, saying, in a clear, distinct voice,
* Sire, you have told me two great truths ; first, that
honour is a man's richest possession ; again, that you
believe no man can be more honourable than your-
self. It only now remains for you to prove the
reality of your words by renouncing your intentions
and relinquishing your proposals.'

"The Sultan was suddenly struck at hearing these
words uttered by the lady, and immediately under-
stood how she, by a happy stratagem, had saved him
from committing a grievous sin and a base and
dishonourable action. Thanking God, therefore,
and felicitating the lady for her virtue and prudence,
he assured her that he loved her more than ever, but
with the truth and loyalty of a sincere and noble
affection. He now recalled her husband from his
distant command, and bestowed such rank, and riches,
and honours on their house that their descendants
now occupy the first posts in their country ; and all
these happy results are due to the virtue of this
noble woman, who felt in her heart, as she exem-
plified in her conduct, that honour is a man's first
and richest jewel, the source and foundation of all
happiness.

41 And as you, Count Lucanor, have requested me
to inform you what is the most desirable thing for a
man to possess in himself ; so I tell you it is honour.
And be convinced that no solid virtue can exist where

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Honour.

243

it is not. It makes men courageous, frank, loyal,
polished in their manners, kind and charitable in
their dealings with their fellow-men. It enables
them to subdue their bad passions, correct irregular
desires, and curb their disordered wills ; its impulses
lead men to ever do that which they ought, and
which is their duty, as it enables them to avoid what
is wrong and unfit for them to perform. People
sadly deceive themselves who imagine their ill doings
are concealed because performed in secret, for every
evil deed must see the light sooner or later. If we
feel shame at doing wrong, how much more abashed
shall we not feel at seeing our misdeeds discovered.
Even a child, when about to do wrong, will depart
from it, through fear of shame, without reflecting
that God, who sees and knows all things, will render
unto all according to their works. And now, my
lord, I think I have given you a clear and definite
answer to all your inquiries, and I have to thank you
for the untiring attention you have kindly given to
all these details. But it is certainly more than I
can say for many of your suite, and especially of those
who have neither the talent of attention nor the de-
sire to understand those things which would improve
them. I would compare them to those beasts laden
with gold, who feel the weight which they are
destined to carry, but have no knowledge of its
value ; so these only feel fatigue at that which they
hear, without being able to appreciate its worth or
derive any benefit from it.

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244

Count Lucanor.

" And now, having replied to this, as to all your
other demands, to the best of my ability, heedless of
the disgust my words may have occasioned to some,
I pray you to make no other requests, in order that
with this example the book may be finished."

And Don Juan, holding this to be a good ex-
ample, caused it to be written in this book, and
composed these lines, which say as follows : —

'Tis honour chases evil from the heart ;
By honour man acts rightly without art

NOTES.

In translating this chapter I have thought it better to use
the word "honour," instead of "shame," which is really the
literal meaning of the original "verguenza;" for, although
honour is a word coined since Don Manuel's day, yet it is clear
that it is the qualification he wished to express in his recital —
that noble and generous sentiment which was the soul of chi-
valry, and was held next to religion by the heroes of the middle
ages.

Saladin, the hero of this historical drama, has been, from his
own day of the Crusades to the present time, the prototype of
every valiant and chivalrous deed. His name has reappeared
from century to century in prose and verse and in all languages,
ever endowed with some new feature and beauty — the hero of
some marvellous and heroic adventure, deeds belonging certainly
more to the bright dreams of poetry than to the sober pages of
recording history.

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INDEX OF NAMES REFERRED TO

[N COUNT LUCANOR.
Albogon, the, 5.

Alhaquima, or Al Hakem, king of Cordova, 5, 7.

Almarzon, 119.

Alvar Fanez, 32.

Alvar Nunez, 225.

Arlanza, the plains of, 93.

Carcasona, the Seneschal of, 69.

Cordova, the Mosque of, 6.

Don Illan, 79, 81, 83.

Don Martin, 223.

Ferdinand, King, 9.

Fernan Gonzales, 93, 119.

Frederick, the Emperor, 30.

Garcia de Azagra, 15.

Garcilaso, 225.

Garciperez of Vargas, 9.

Granada, the King of, 227.

Gutierre Rodriguez, 15.

Hacinas, 119.

King Ben Abit of Seville, 86.

Leon, kingdom of, 96.

Lorenzo XOarez Gallinato, 8, 12, 227.

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246

Index of Names.

Nuno Lainez, 93.
Pero Anzurez, 32.
Pero Nunez, 17.
Prince Henry, 65.
Provence, the Count of, 43.
Richard C(eur-de-Lion, 24, 117.
Rodrigo el Franco, 15.
rodrigo melendez, 96.

ROMAQUIA, 86.

Ruy Gonzalez, 15.
Saint Dominic, 90.
Saladin, 43, 234.
Santiago, the Dean of, 78.

Tagus, river, 80.
Truhana, 147.
Vascunana, 34, 36, 39.

YSCA, VILLAGE OF, 32.

Printed by Hazel 1, Watson, & Vincy, Ld., London and Aylesbury

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Full text of "Count Lucanor; of the fifty pleasant stories of Patronio, written by the Prince Don Juan Manuel and first done into English by James York, M. D. 1868. Illustrated by S. L. Wood"

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